cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing of Lymphedema After Treatment for Breast Cancer: When Are Patients Most At Risk?

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine when the risk of lymphedema is highest after treatment of breast cancer and which factors influence the time course of lymphedema development. Methods and Materials Between 2005 and 2017, 2171 women (with 2266 at-risk arms) who received surgery for unilateral or bilateral breast cancer at our institution were enrolled. Perometry was used to objectively assess limb volume preoperatively, and lymphedema was defined as a ≥10% relative arm-volume increase arising >3 months postoperatively. Multivariable regression was used to uncover risk factors associated with lymphedema, the Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate lymphedema incidence, and the semiannual hazard rate of lymphedema was calculated. Results With a median follow-up of 4 years, the overall estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of lymphedema was 13.7%. Significant factors associated with lymphedema on multivariable analysis were high preoperative body mass index, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and regional lymph node radiation (RLNR). Patients receiving ALND with RLNR experienced the highest 5-year rate of lymphedema (31.2%), followed by those receiving ALND without RLNR (24.6%) and sentinel lymph node biopsy with RLNR (12.2%). Overall, the risk of lymphedema peaked between 12 and 30 months postoperatively; however, the time course varied as a function of therapy received. Early-onset lymphedema ( 12 months postoperatively) was associated with RLNR (HR, 3.86; P = .0001) and, to a lesser extent, ALND (HR, 1.86; P = .029). The lymphedema risk peaked between 6 and 12 months in the ALND-without-RLNR group, between 18 and 24 months in the ALND-with-RLNR group, and between 36 and 48 months in the group receiving sentinel lymph node biopsy with RLNR. Conclusions The time course for lymphedema development depends on the breast cancer treatment received. ALND is associated with early-onset lymphedema, and RLNR is associated with late-onset lymphedema. These results can influence clinical practice to guide lymphedema surveillance strategies and patient education.
Extreme dependence and risk spillovers across north american equity markets

Abstract This study analyzes risk spillovers across North American equity markets over 1995–2016. Downside and upside Conditional Value-at-Risk (CoVaR) are estimated after modeling the dynamic dependence structure for each equity market pair using generalized autoregressive score (GAS) copulas. US-CAN and CAN-MX dynamic correlations trend upwards over the sample period while the US-CAN correlation fluctuates around a higher long-run average. Conditional tail dependence is symmetric and significantly higher following the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in all cases, implying greater co-movement under extreme economic conditions. Downside and upside risk spillovers are significant and asymmetric along two dimensions for each equity market pair, where downside risk spillovers are more severe and the degree of asymmetry by conditioning direction is rank ordered by relative equity market sizes. Aside from the US-CAN pair, downside and upside risk spillovers are significantly larger following the GFC as compared to the pre-crisis period. Observed asymmetric and time-varying behavior is consistent across high/low risk and high/low risk spillover sub-periods.
Stretchable, flexible, rollable, and adherable polarization volume grating film

Volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) have many applications, including filters, wavelength multiplexing devices, and see-through displays. As a kind of VBGs, polarization volume gratings (PVGs) based on liquid crystal polymer have the advantages of nearly 100% efficiency, large deflection angle, and high polarization selectivity. However, previous reports regarding PVGs did not address high efficiency, tunable periodicity, and flexibility. Here, we report a stretchable, flexible, and rollable PVG film with high diffraction efficiency. The control of PVG by mechanical stretching is investigated, while the Bragg reflection band shift is evaluated quantitatively. Moreover, we quantified the deflection angle change's behavior, which has promising potential for laser beam steering applications. The mechanical robustness under stretch-release cycles is also scrutinized.
Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma mimicking left ventricular clot, a rare complication of myocardial infarction: a case report

Background Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma is a rare complication of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with high mortality rates. Studies and research of this occurrence are limited largely to isolated case reports or case series. Case summary We report a case of late presenting MI, where on initial echocardiogram had what was thought to be an intraventricular clot. However, upon further evaluation, the patient actually had an intramyocardial haematoma, with the supporting echocardiographic features to distinguish it from typical left ventricular (LV) clot. While this prevented the patient from receiving otherwise unnecessary anticoagulation, this diagnosis also put him at a much higher risk of mortality. Despite exhaustive medical and supportive management, death as consequence of pump failure occurred after 2 weeks. Discussion This report highlights the features seen on echocardiography which support the diagnosis of an intramyocardial haematoma rather than an LV clot, notably the various acoustic densities, a well visualized myocardial dissecting tear leading into a neocavity filled with blood, and an independent endocardial layer seen above the haematoma. Based on this report, we wish to highlight the importance of differentiating intramyocardial haematomas from intraventricular clots in patients with recent MI.
Canonical Wnt5b Signaling Directs Outlying Nkx2.5+ Mesoderm into Pacemaker Cardiomyocytes

Pacemaker cardiomyocytes that create the sinoatrial node are essential for the initiation and maintenance of proper heart rhythm. However, illuminating developmental cues that direct their differentiation has remained particularly challenging due to the unclear cellular origins of these specialized cardiomyocytes. By discovering the origins of pacemaker cardiomyocytes, we reveal an evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling mechanism that coordinates gene regulatory changes directing mesoderm cell fate decisions, which lead to the differentiation of pacemaker cardiomyocytes. We show that in zebrafish, pacemaker cardiomyocytes derive from a subset of Nkx2.5+ mesoderm that responds to canonical Wnt5b signaling to initiate the cardiac pacemaker program, including activation of pacemaker cell differentiation transcription factors Isl1 and Tbx18 and silencing of Nkx2.5. Moreover, applying these developmental findings to human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) notably results in the creation of hPSC-pacemaker cardiomyocytes, which successfully pace three-dimensional bioprinted hPSC-cardiomyocytes, thus providing potential strategies for biological cardiac pacemaker therapy.
Taurocholic acid inhibits features of age-related macular degeneration in vitro

Abstract Previous metabolomics studies from our lab found altered plasma levels of bile acids in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to controls. In this study, we investigated the ability of the bile acid taurocholic acid (TCA) to inhibit features of AMD modeled in vitro. Paraquat was used to induce oxidative stress in HRPEpiC primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Cells were treated with 300 μM paraquat alone or with TCA (10, 50, 100, 200, or 500 μM). RPE tight junction integrity was assessed via ZO-1 immunofluorescence and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements. RF/6A macaque choroidal endothelial cells were treated with 100 ng/mL vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to induce angiogenesis. The effect of TCA on VEGF-induced angiogenesis was evaluated with cell proliferation, cell migration, and tube formation assays. Addition of TCA at 100 (P = 8.6 × 10−4), 200 (P = 0.0035), and 500 (P = 2.1 × 10−4) μM resulted in significant preservation of TEER in paraquat treated cells. In RF/6A cells, TCA did not significantly affect VEGF-induced cell proliferation. VEGF-induced migration of RF/6A cells was significantly inhibited at TCA concentrations of 100 (P = 0.010), 200 (P = 0.023) and 500 (P = 0.0049) μM. VEGF-induced tube formation was significantly inhibited when treated with 200 (P = 0.014) and 500 (P = 7.1 × 10−4) μM TCA. In vitro, TCA promoted RPE cell integrity and diminished VEGF-induced choroidal endothelial cell migration and tube formation. This suggests that TCA may have protective effects against both degenerative and neovascular AMD.
Acoustic-based chemical tools for profiling the tumor microenvironment.

Abstract Acoustic-based imaging modalities (e.g. ultrasonography and photoacoustic imaging) have emerged as powerful approaches to noninvasively visualize the interior of the body due to their biocompatibility and the ease of sound transmission in tissue. These technologies have recently been augmented with an array of chemical tools that enable the study and modulation of the tumor microenvironment at the molecular level. In addition, the application of ultrasound and ultrasound-responsive materials has been used for drug delivery with high spatiotemporal control. In this review, we highlight recent advances (in the last 2–3 years) in acoustic-based chemical tools and technologies suitable for furthering our understanding of molecular events in complex tumor microenvironments.
Karnataka: State Patronage, Market Opportunism, and Urban–rural Closing Gap

This chapter aims to analyse Karnataka's political economy in the post-liberalisation phase. It explores the changes in the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector, and the way these have affected class formation and consolidation. It will examine the relationship between proprietary classes and the state to understand how the state allocates resources, such as land, water, and credit, and infer how the political settlement operates within the state. These questions have been addressed through a thorough literature review and fieldwork conducted in the state between February and July 2012. Although Karnataka has four agricultural universities that publish vast literature, these were of little pertinence for the study. This was primarily due to the technical nature, micro-view, and quantitative approach of these publications. Nonetheless, the information has been included, whenever appropriate. Karnataka is a diverse state, and patterns vary between the northern and southern districts; therefore, evidence from fieldwork is juxtaposed with existing literature to present a comprehensive and nuanced picture. North is less irrigated, has less capitalist agriculture, and has less commercial crops in comparison to south. In line with the other field-based chapters, this chapter opens with a brief description of the state, and a discussion on the economy particularly sector growth rates, main sources of investment, and alignment of lobbies. It presents the trajectory of certain agrarian proprietary classes and links it to dominant castes, as the literature is mostly written along the parameter of caste. To make sense of proprietary classes after 1991, the scene prior, the 1970s and 1980s has been briefly discussed. This is followed by a brief discussion on three key features of Karnataka – corruption, farmer suicide, and decentralisation. These are relevant for explaining the field findings. Subsequently, political settlement and agrarian class formation and consolidation are reflected upon. Accumulation through diversification by fractions of rich farmers are highlighted along with that of the political leaders and state officials who have transformed into petty bourgeoisie. Field findings suggested that regional variations within the state are brought out. Comparative assessment of these findings with the other two states is attempted. Finally, the nature of the regional state as clientelist, playing a major role side by side the market, has been argued.
Stepping into Trouble: Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in the Geriatric Population From Stairway Falls.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine what potential factors are associated with increased risk of hospital admission among the geriatric population who suffer stairway falls. Materials and Methods This is a 10-year cross-sectional study that was conducted using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Entries whose primary product was categorized under the code 1239 (stairs or steps) were included in this study. Reports were excluded if the injury did not occur within the craniomaxillofacial region. The principal outcome variable was admission rate. Patient and injury characteristics were compared using χ2 and independent sample t tests. Results Admission rates were significantly associated with sex (P Conclusions Age, gender, craniomaxillofacial region, type of injury, and primary diagnosis are all independent risk factors for hospital admissions. Preventative measures need to be taken to safeguard the older geriatric population from craniomaxillofacial trauma associated with stairway falls.
Making and remaking life

Nature Remade examines how the incorporation of engineering attitudes into modern biology has shaped the academic, political, and cultural work of the life sciences.
A Bayesian Analysis of Steady–State Enzyme Data leads to Estimates of Rate Constants and Uncertainties in a Multi-Step Reaction†

Abstract The microscopic rate constants that govern an enzymatic reaction are only directly measured under certain experimental set-ups, such as stopped flow, continuous flow, or temperature-jump assays; the majority of enzymology proceeds from steady state conditions which leads to a set of easily–observable parameters such as kcat, KM, and observed Kinetic Isotope Effects (Dkcat). This paper further develops a model from Toney (2013) to estimate microscopic rate constants from steady-state data for a set of reversible, four–step reactions. This paper uses the Bayesian modeling software Stan, and demonstrates the benefits of Bayesian data analysis in the estimation of these rate constants. In contrast to the optimization methods employed often in the estimation of kinetic constants, a Bayesian treatment is more equipped to estimate the uncertainties of each parameter; sampling from the posterior distribution using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo immediately gives parameter estimates as mean or median of the posterior, and also confidence intervals that express the uncertainty of each parameter.
Reflections on North African History: Abdallah Laroui and his History of the Maghrib

When Joel Gordon, the editor of the International Journal of Middle East Studies, asked me to reexamine a notable classic book in my field of North African history, I immediately thought of one that I had reviewed favorably forty-one years ago, Abdallah Laroui's The History of the Maghrib. The book is a seminal work of historical synthesis, by one of the most eminent living Maghribi scholars. It remains relevant today.
Factors Influencing Hospital Admission of Non-critically Ill Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: a Cross-sectional Study

Background Little is known about the factors that influence physicians’ admission decisions, especially among lower acuity patients. For the purpose of our study, non-medical refers to all of the factors—other than the patient’s clinical condition—that could potentially influence admission decisions.
A Survey of Bariatric Surgery Patients’ Interest in Postoperative Interventions

A substantial minority of bariatric surgery patients display clinically significant weight regain and recurrence of obesity-related comorbidities. Although postoperative follow-up and behavioral interventions are associated with better weight loss outcomes, many patients fail to attend or receive these services. More information is needed to better target and increase the probability of sustained treatment in those patients experiencing postoperative weight regain. The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges that patients perceive themselves to be facing and assess their receptivity and preferences for postoperative interventions. A survey developed by the authors was sent to patients who received bariatric surgery from a program based in an academic medical center between September 2008 and December 2010 (n = 751). Data from 154 responders indicate that the vast majority of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery are satisfied with surgery and their weight losses; however, most reported being on a trajectory of weight regain. Patients endorsed concerns about both current eating behavior and, additional, future weight regain. In addition, these patients expressed strong interest in participating in postoperative programs aimed at stopping and reversing regain. The results provide novel information about bariatric surgery patients’ receptivity to and preferences for interventions after bariatric surgery.
Chapter 29 The development of retinal projections

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of retinal projections. It presents new insights into the interrelation between target influences and other factors directing axonal outgrowth and the development of orderly retinotectal connections. During maturation of the mammalian retinotectal projection, it appears that optic axons are not initially influenced by target-derived cues but instead follow substrate cues close to the subpial margin of the rostral brainstem. Directed by a polarized distribution of “pathway markers,” these axons make their way toward the dorsolateral midbrain, and thereby reach the tectum. A number of cell-surface and extracellular molecules have been co-localized along the subpial margin and one or more of these may be important components in tectopetal growth along the subpial pathway. The retinal transplant studies also reveal an evidence of a target-directed growth pattern effective over limited distances that depend on the prior optic innervation of the superior colliculus. The establishment of an orderly retinotectal projection is not a simple process and may depend upon an elaborate interaction between substrate-dependent events and target-derived cues.
Abstract 20188: The Effect of Disclosing Genetic Risk for Coronary Heart Disease on Perceived Personal Control and Genetic Counseling Satisfaction: The MI-GENES Study

Background: Perceived personal control (PPC) represents the belief that a person can alter his/her own situation or state. Higher PPC has been associated with increased health-related quality of life and helps facilitate healthy behavioral changes. We investigated whether disclosure of coronary heart disease (CHD) genetic risk influences PPC and genetic counseling satisfaction (GCS) in the myocardial infarction genes (MI-GENES) study, a randomized controlled trial of disclosing genetic risk of CHD. Methods: Participants (40-65 year-old, at intermediate 10-year CHD risk, and not on statins) were randomized to receive estimated 10-year risk of CHD based on their Framingham Risk Score (FRS) or FRS plus a 28 SNP genetic risk score (FRS*GRS). CHD risk was disclosed in each arm by a genetic counselor during a 30-minute scripted session that included a discussion of the impact of family history on CHD risk. For FRS*GRS participants, the genetic counselor also reviewed how their genetic risk score altered their FRS. Each participant then met with a physician to engage in shared-decision making regarding the need for statin therapy. Afterwards, study participants were asked to complete validated surveys to assess PPC and GCS. The 9-item PPC questionnaire was scored 0-9, with higher scores indicating greater control beliefs. The 5-item GCS questionnaire was scored 0-10, with greater scores indicating greater satisfaction with the disclosure session. Results: 207 patients (mean age 58.8±5 years, 46.7% males) were randomized to receive either FRS or FRS*GRS. Patients randomized to receive FRS*GRS had higher PPC compared to FRS although the absolute difference was small (8.85±0.77 vs. 8.54±1.31, P=0.016). Patients randomized to receive FRS*GRS also had a higher GCS score than FRS patients (9.08±2.67 vs. 8.3±3.67, P=0.050]. Conclusions: Disclosure of genetic risk for CHD did not adversely affect PPC or GCS. In fact, patients who received CHD genetic risk information had higher PPC and GCS. Our findings suggest that disclosure of CHD genetic risk is appreciated by patients and may empower them to improve health-related behaviors.
Degrees of Unsolvability

This chapter discusses the concept of relative computability. The concept of relative computability first appeared in a 1939 paper by Alan Turing. At first glance, it might seem strange to combine the rather constructive concept of computability with the almost mystical idea of an oracle. It is to Turing's credit that he perceived that the combination, strange or not, would be a useful tool in classifying the noncomputable sets. The focus is on an informal description of the concept of effective calculability relative to a set. The plan is to make the concept into a genuine mathematical concept in two ways: general recursiveness relatives and register-machine computability relatives. Further, enumeration theorem and normal form theorem related to relative Computability is discussed followed by equivalence relations
Central inflammation induced by high fat diet sensitizes angiotensin II hypertension

Obesity is considered to be a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. High fat diet (HFD) has been shown to promote the inflammation in the hypothalamus and to increase sympathetic activity. Our prev...
Infrared spectroscopy of the sun and stars

Spectroscopy of the Sun in the 10–12 μm infrared window has revealed the presence of emission lines due to high-n transitions in neutral Magnesium and Aluminum, as well as rotational transitions in several vibrational states of the OH radical. The very large Zeeman sensitivity of the emission lines makes them of interest in studying solar and stellar magnetic fields. Recent advances in infrared instrumentation have permitted the rapid acquisition of low-noise spectra of these lines. Time series observations of the emission lines show that they exhibit the 5-minute oscillations in a manner which is more characteristic of upper photospheric, rather than chromospheric lines. Time series observations of the OH lines give information on the flow of acoustic energy in the upper photosphere. Prospects for 10–12 μm stellar spectroscopy are discussed.
Building Large Knowledge-Based Systems: Representation and Inference in the Cyc Project

The Cyc project, started by Doug Lenat at MCC in 1984, is the most ambitious knowledge representation project ever undertaken. It embodies Lenat's current ideas for a system intended to encode all of commonsense knowledge. By the year 1999, he hopes that "no one would even think of buying a computer that doesn't have Cyc running on it". The book by Lenat and Guha is a report on the project as it was in 1989. A review of that book must distinguish four different things: the book itself, the Cyc project as it was when the book was written, the Cyc project today, and the developments that the designers are planning for the future. Of these four, the last two are probably the most interesting. This review has been difficult for me to write, because my thoughts about Cyc have changed a great deal since I first read the book in the spring of 1990. Doug Skuce showed me a copy of his review (which also appears in this issue), and it is similar to what I had originally intended to write. I agree with his complaints about the confusing organization of the book and the lack of precise definitions. Despite our reservations, we both used
Partin tables: past and present

This is the start of a new section in the BJU International. The intention is to provide the reader with a series of review articles that are more focused than the traditional papers addressing wider topics. In the first of these two mini-reviews, the development of the Partin tables is examined, which is in effect a self-audit. Nomograms are becoming more frequently used in urological cancer and are of help to urologists to assess the likelihood of operative success and long-term clinical outcomes. The authors review the necessary updating of the original Partin tables, given the changes which have taken place in the stage of prostate cancer at presentation over the last decade. Most patients with bladder cancer present with superficial disease, which presents its own problems. However, a very significant number present with invasive disease, which if left untreated is associated with an extremely high mortality in a relatively short period. In the second mini-review the authors, who have long been associated with an approach which combines radical surgery with innovative reconstruction, assess their rationale for an aggressive treatment approach. It is to be hoped that both of these mini-reviews will provide prognostic information for urologists treating prostate and bladder cancer.
Multi-Dimensional Astrophysical Structural Analysis

Numerical fluid mechanics has been able to address many problems in as­ trophysics. In the first half of the 20th century, one-dimensional stellar interior calculations were used to investigate the radial structure of stars. In the decades following the invention of electronic computers, these cal­ culations were extended to include time-dependent evolution on thermal (pulsating) and dynamical (collapse and explosive) time scales. Finally, in the last few decades, with the advent of powerful supercomputers, the field has been able to address dynamical evolution in two and three dimensions, allowing the study of stellar convection, rotating collapse, accretion disk interiors, jet production, interstellar cloud collisions, and many other prob­ lems discussed in this and other volumes. However, except for a few brave attempts, structural problems in several dimensions (evolution of rotating stars, interacting binaries, full structure and long-term evolution of accre­ tion disks, etc.) largely have been ignored. There are two principle reasons for this: 1) for multi-dimensional, grav­ itating fluids the shape of the structure (and therefore the grid geometry) is unknown until the problem is solved; and 2) solving millions of multi­ dimensional, coupled, nonlinear equations is enormously computationally intensive - many orders of magnitude greater than that needed for dynam­ ical calculations. Our work addresses both of these problems and creates a new field of numerical astrophysics called Multi-dimensional Astrophysical Structural Analysis. It is reported more fully in papers being submitted to the The Astrophysical Journal (Meier 1998, submitted; Meier & Godon 1998, in preparation).
Using the Case Study Method for Instruction in the Design and Development of Foodservice Facilities

The author illustrates the case study approach to teaching foodservice facilities design and development. The method outlined includes incorporating principles of marketing, financial management, space planning, technical drawing, and interior design. The case study method has shown to be an effective method of teaching principles of foodservice design and development.
Auguste Comte: The Revolution of 1848

All these various contacts … are developing within me a vivid sense of my present mission as the intellectual and moral director of the great socialist revolution that is rapidly approaching. Comte, September 1849 COMTE'S RELATION TO THE WORKERS: THE CHALLENGE OF COMMUNISM A gifted teacher, Comte eagerly responded to artisans' widespread desire for education. The clockmaker Andre-Auguste Francelle, for example, not only audited his astronomy course, but studied mathematics with other teachers. As Edward Berenson has noted about this period, “Artisans looked to sympathetic members of the middle class for enlightenment. Far from resenting bourgeois republicans, workers respected their knowledge and, more often than not, they were glad to follow bourgeois leadership.” Comte was only too happy to play the part. He was always gratified whenever the workers wrote to him to express their gratitude for his lectures on astronomy. One of the workers, Jean-Fabien Magnin, began a long correspondence with Comte in August 1845. Born in 1810, he worked for a time as a weaver in Lyon, where he became politicized. He then became a carpenter like his father and eventually gained a solid knowledge of other crafts. After settling in Paris, he began to follow courses in the sciences at the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers. He also became interested in social reform. However, he kept his distance from Fourierism and communism, especially Etienne Cabet's Icarian variety. In April 1843, he heard from a fellow worker, Pierre Buisson, about Comte's lectures on astronomy.
MANIFEST INVALIDITY: NEIL TENNANT'S NEW ARGUMENT FOR INTUITIONISM

In Chapter 7 of The Taming of the True, Neil Tennant provides a new argument from Michael Dummett's ``manifestation requirement'' to the incorrectness of classical logic and the correctness of intuitionistic logic. I show that Tennant's new argument is only valid if one interprets crucial existence claims occurring in the proof in the manner of intuitionists. If one interprets the existence claims as a classical logician would, then one can accept Tennant's premises while rejecting his conclusion of logical revision. Thus, Tennant has provided no evidence that should convince anyone who is not already an intuitionist. Since his proof is a proof for the correctness of intuitionism, it begs the question.
What’s Stress Got to Do with It?

Relapse, as it applies to addiction, is described as the resumption or reinstatement of drug-taking behavior after periods of prolonged abstinence. In our January column (Williamson et al., 2013), we described a neurobiological process that influences the occurrence of relapse: the complex interactions of glutamate in the brain via drug-associated cues. However, there is more to the story! Not only do drug-associated cues trigger relapse, but there are two additional components that make a trio of relapse precipitants: small doses of addictive drugs (priming) and stressors. Animal models of these three factors have been demonstrated through carefully designed and replicated experiments that implicate separate mechanisms of operation for each (Stewart, 2000). For individuals who are intent on maintaining recovery from addiction, having an understanding of these relapse precipitants can assist in making decisions to support sobriety. We review these other two components of relapse here. First, we review the nature of priming, followed by a more detailed look at the impact of stress. Priming involves use of small …
Evaluation of N‐haloacyl analogs of α,α‐diphenyl‐4‐piperidinemethanol against ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

The antitumor activity of 8 haloamide derivatives of α,α-diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol was studied in C3H agouti mice against the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. The preliminary screening studies would seem to indicate that the chemotherapeutic effect of these compounds is potentially significant. There seems to be a definite correlation between structure and activity within the propionamide and acetamide analogs in that within each group of compounds the iodoamides have the highest order of activity; the bromoamides have intermediate activity; and the chloroamides have the least activity. The haloacetamide analogs seem to be more toxic than the corresponding halopropionamide derivatives.
Analysis of proteome changes in doxorubicin-treated adult rat cardiomyocyte

Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in cancer patients is well established. The proposed mechanism of cardiac damage includes generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Exposure of adult rat cardiomyocytes to low levels of DOX for 48 h induced apoptosis. Analysis of protein expression showed a differential regulation of several key proteins including the voltage dependent anion selective channel protein 2 and methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase. In comparison, proteomic evaluation of DOX-treated rat heart showed a slightly different set of protein changes that suggests nuclear accumulation of DOX. Using a new solubilization technique, changes in low abundant protein profiles were monitored. Altered protein expression, modification and function related to oxidative stress response may play an important role in DOX cardiotoxicity.
Time related disposition of tri-O-tolyl phosphate (TOTP) and metabolites in chicken.

Time dependent distribution of [ 32 P]-tri- o -tolyl phosphate (TOTP) and its metabolites was studied after oral administration in chicken. TOTP and three metabolites were separated by adsorption column chromatography and quantitated by liquid scintillation techniques. Total radioactivity in liver consistently increased throughout the 72-hour sampling period. The major fraction of label in liver was the primary antiesterase metabolite of TOTP. Conversely, the most abundant species in plasma was unaltered TOTP, the total concentration of which did not change after four hours. The plasma concentrations of total radio-activity were consistently lower than those in liver; at 24 hours the plasma levels were only 5% as compared to that in liver. Results showed 26.5% of the administered dose was excreted over 72 hours. Unmetabolized TOTP comprised nearly 99% of the excreted material during this period.
Gas chromatographic, quentum-chemical, and molecular statistical studies of cluster adsorption of water and methanol molecules on hydrophilic surface sites of hydrophobic adsorbents

The comprehensive theoretical and experimental study of the adsorption of water and methanol molecules on active sites (carboxyl and phenol hydroxyl groups) on the graphitized thermal carbon black is performed. It is shown that microclusters formed upon the adsorption of these molecules on such sites are characterized by the cyclic structure comprising 4–5 molecules similar to that whose existence was revealed previously in liquid water and on the surface of silver iodide. The analysis of the studied adsorption clusters demonstrated that the formation of such cycles is governed primarily by the hydrogen bonding; however, a definite role is played also by energy effects associated with the changes in the state of molecular motion during adsorption. It is shown that the generalized Langmuir equation derived from molecular statistical considerations provides for better reproducing of the experimental isotherm within a wider surface coverage range, thus making it possible to consistently interpret data on structural and energetic characteristics of adsorption systems obtained by gas chromatography and quentum-chemical method.
An Infection Control Initiative That Works: How Clinical Service Units Reduced and Maintained Their Incidence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

ISSUE: Duke University Medical Center is an 800-bed university-affiliated medical center. An evaluation of annual MRSA data identified 4 areas (3 ICUs, one inpatient unit) where MRSA rates had increased dramatically in the first 6 months of 2004. Infection Control (IC) developed a program aimed at reducing the rate of nosocomial MRSA by promoting involvement of the clinical service unit (CSU) in identifying infection prevention strategies. PROJECT: In June 2004, IC began the Duke MRSA Initiative, for targeted areas with significant MRSA rate increase over the past 6 months. Infection Control then met with key leaders within the CSU. Data on unit-specific trends were presented and members were educated on the risk and implications of patients acquiring MRSA. Upon completion of the presentation each CSU identified methods to decrease their MRSA rate, with input from IC. This initiative was first done in the Neuroscience CSU. The interventions included inservices for all staff, initiation of a hand hygiene “time out,” initiation of an admission screening protocol and increased diligence in environmental cleaning. This initiative was also followed in the Musculo-Skeletal CSU, Surgical CSU and the Medicine CSU. Different interventions were formulated for each CSU, because they were able to identify specific areas in need of change. The role of IC was advisory, with guidance provided with inservices, skills day education and Physician's Grand Rounds. RESULTS: With the Duke MRSA Initiative in place, all 4 units targeted for MRSA reduction were successful in decreasing their rates from July-December 2004. The Neuroscience CSU rate decreased from 4.9/1000 pt. days to 0.93, the Musculo-Skeletal CSU rate from 4.0/1000 pt. days to 0.38, the Surgical CSU rate from 3.3/1000 pt. days to 0.78 and the Medicine CSU rate from 3.0/1000 pt. days to 1.1. IC continued to monitor MRSA rates and to ensure that the interventions were still in place. 2005 MRSA data show a sustained nosocomial infection reduction among the units: Neuroscience CSU at 2.4, Musculo-Skeletal CSU at 0.42, Surgical CSU at 2.0, and Medicine CSU at 1.3. LESSONS LEARNED: With increasing nosocomial and community-acquired MRSA rates, IC teams must use innovative methods to reduce and sustain low nosocomial MRSA rates. When the unit takes ownership to reduce their rate of MRSA, there is an increase in unit participation with a notable decrease in MRSA rate.
Detecting the onset of localized scuffing in a pin-on-twin fuel-lubricated test for heavy-duty diesel fuel injectors:

AbstractScuffing, usually considered to result from lubrication failure, severely limits the life of heavy-duty diesel fuel injectors. A new method is introduced to detect the onset of localized scuffing and monitor scuffing propagation in a fuel-lubricated ‘pin-on-twin’ reciprocating tribosystem. Tests were conducted on annealed and hardened AISI 52100 steel lubricated by on-highway #2 diesel fuel and ultra-low-sulphur Jet A aviation fuel. Unlike most current reciprocating tests that use changes in the nominal (averaged) friction to detect scuffing, this study analyses the detailed friction traces of individual strokes. The correlation between the change in the friction traces and the onset and progression of scuffing has been validated by examining the surface morphology of wear scars. This method was then applied to study the scuffing characteristics under various test conditions. Generally, scuffing initiated earlier and propagated more rapidly the higher the load, the lower the reciprocating frequenc...
Computed tomography appearance of fused (horseshoe) kidney

Abstract Horseshoe kidneys occur approximately once in every 400–500 births. We present three cases of renal fusion anomalies with their computed tomography scans. In patients with little retroperitoneal fat the presence of a renal fusion anomaly can mimic a retroperitoneal mass. Horseshoe kidneys can be suspected by the characteristic anteromedial placement of the renal hilar structures and by enhancement after contrast infusion. An intravenous pyelogram will confirm the finding.
Host-tumor-drug interrelationships in the tumorous murine model.

Abstract The availability of athymic nude mice and the ability to obtain progressive growth of human tumors in them affords a chemotherapeutic test model of considerable interest and provided a basis for the initiation of the new prospective screening program at the Division of Cancer Treatment, National Cancer Institute. The institution of such a program prompted a reexamination of the factors that may influence the host-tumor-drug interrelationship in conventional mice and in the athymic xenograft model. The net therapeutic effect of antitumor treatment is the resultant of the intricate relationship between the host, the tumor and the drug. Any alteration in the intrinsic nature of one of the members of this triad or in the relationship of any two components may alter the entire interrelationship and exert an important positive or negative effect on the therapeutic outcome. Factors which may influence the host-tumor-drug triad are biological, pharmacological and biochemical in nature. They are discussed with respect to the potential impact of the new screening program in the search for more effective anti-tumor agents, for detailed drug evaluation and studies of drug mechanism that may underlie improved anti-tumor activity against clinical neoplasia.
A Multiscale Model of Composite Failure Under Impact

We present a new computationally efficient mesoscale model aimed at predicting the dominant characteristics of failure at the microstructural level. This method combines the multiple scale asymptotic expansion method with the generalized transformation field analysis (GTFA) to reduce the computational cost of the direct homogenization approach. A computational validation methodology was devised for the validation of the proposed mesoscale model against experimental data. The proposed validation methodology permits incorporation of various types of experiments to the validation process by employing an experiment simulator repository.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
LSD-induced alterations of locomotor patterns and exploration in rats

A free exploration test was used to examine the effects of LSD on investigatory responding and locomotor activity in a novel environment. Rats were injected with 20–30 μg/kg LSD or saline prior to being placed in a home cage. After 10 min, a door was opened permitting entry into a larger holeboard chamber where crossovers, rearings, hole pokes, and routes of locomotion were monitored. When administered either 10 or 30 min prior to testing, LSD reduced the time spent in the holeboard chamber only during the first half of a 1-h session, resulting in a corresponding reduction in all holeboard activity measures. In the subsequent 30 min, LSD-treated rats maintained a steady level of responding, in contrast to the continual derement exhibited by controls. Despite their initial avoidance of the holeboard, LSD-treated rats made consistently longer hole pokes into floor holes and showed a more diversified pattern of locomotion than did controls throughout the 1-h session. Most striking was the failure of LSD-treated rats to establish the stereotyped excursion routes, characteristic of controls, from the home cage to various parts of the holeboard. It is suggested that LSD potentiates both neophobic (avoidance) and investigatory responses to a novel environment by retarding the rate of behavioral habituation.
Feed Additive Interactions in the Chicken: Reduction of Tissue Copper Deposition by Dietary Roxarsone in Healthy and in Eimeria acervulina-lnfected or Eimeria tenella-lnfected Chicks

Interactions among roxarsone, copper, and coccidiosis were studied in growing crossbred chicks. Corn-soy or corn-soy-corn gluten meal diets were fed in all assays. In the absence of supplemental copper, 50 mg/kg roxarsone did not affect gain. However, in the presence of 250 mg/kg supplemental copper, there was a depression in gain due to feeding 50 mg/kg roxarsone. In contrast, at a toxic level of copper (1000 mg/kg), a growth response resulted from feeding roxarsone. In all instances, roxarsone markedly decreased liver copper concentration in birds fed high levels of copper. Multiple crop intubations of Eimeria acervulina or Eimeria tenella depressed performance and exacerbated copper toxicity symptoms. Copper supplementation as well as coccidial infection resulted in depressed plasma pigmentation.
Critical ethical issues in online counseling: Assessing current practices with an ethical intent checklist.

The authors used a 16-item Ethical Intent Checklist, developed from the American Counseling Association's (1999) Ethical Standards for Internet Online Counseling, to assess the current practices of 88 online counseling Web sites. Results showed fewer than half of online counselors were following the accepted practice on 8 of the 16 items. Online counselors who identified themselves as licensed or as association members had significantly higher mean checklist scores.
Conditional control of selectin ligand expression and global fucosylation events in mice with a targeted mutation at the FX locus

Glycoprotein fucosylation enables fringe-dependent modulation of signal transduction by Notch transmembrane receptors, contributes to selectin-dependent leukocyte trafficking, and is faulty in leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) type II, also known as congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG)-IIc, a rare human disorder characterized by psychomotor defects, developmental abnormalities, and leukocyte adhesion defects. We report here that mice with an induced null mutation in the FX locus, which encodes an enzyme in the de novo pathway for GDP–fucose synthesis, exhibit a virtually complete deficiency of cellular fucosylation, and variable frequency of intrauterine demise determined by parental FX genotype. Live-born FX(−/−) mice exhibit postnatal failure to thrive that is suppressed with a fucose-supplemented diet. FX(−/−) adults suffer from an extreme neutrophilia, myeloproliferation, and absence of leukocyte selectin ligand expression reminiscent of LAD-II/CDG-IIc. Contingent restoration of leukocyte and endothelial selectin ligand expression, general cellular fucosylation, and normal postnatal physiology is achieved by modulating dietary fucose to supply a salvage pathway for GDP–fucose synthesis. Conditional control of fucosylation in FX(−/−) mice identifies cellular fucosylation events as essential concomitants to fertility, early growth and development, and leukocyte adhesion.
On the Propagation of Plane Acoustic Waves in a Duct With Flexible and Impedance Walls

This Technical Memorandum (TM) discusses the harmonic and random plane acoustic waves propagating from inside a duct to its surroundings. Various duct surfaces are considered, such as rigid, flexible, and impedance. In addition, the effects of a mean flow are studied when the duct alone is considered. Results show a significant reduction in overall sound pressure levels downstream of the impedance wall for both mean flow and no mean flow cases and for a narrow duct. When a wider duct is used, the overall sound pressure level (OSPL) reduction downstream of the impedance wall is much smaller. In the far field, the directivity is such that the overall sound pressure level is reduced by about 5 decibels (dB) on the side of the impedance wall. When a flexible surface is used, the far field directivity becomes asymmetric with an increase in the OSPL on the side of the flexible surface of about 7 dB.
Windblown Dust on Venus

The threshold frictional velocity necessary to initiate grain movement on the Venus surface is 1 to 2 cm/s. Particles smaller than 30 or 40 microns in effective diameter will also be so moved and suspended at the threshold of movement. Theoretical arguments and Venera 8 Doppler measurements suggest marginally that dust should not be raised at the Venera 8 landing site (10 deg S), but should be raised at higher latitudes. Dust carried to tens of kilometers altitude will be transported over the entire planet and may make important contributions to the solar energy deposition, general circulation, and cloud chromosphere problems. However, the Venera 8 photometer measurements and the low albedo of reasonable surface materials imply a clear lower atmosphere at 10 deg S, despite the fact that dust raised at high latitudes should contribute to the aerosol content at this latitude. Dust raising on Venus may be inhibited by limited vertical turbulent diffusion or by thermal sintering of particles on the planetary surface.