cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innovative Imaging Tools and Devices for Clinical Monitoring within the EMERALD Network

The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network "EMERALD" is a recently started project aimed at progressing the state of the art of microwave imaging devices for medical applications. In this framework, the goal of the project tasks based at CNR-IREA is twofold. First, ad-hoc imaging algorithms tailored to the prototype devices for clinical follow-up and image-guided treatment designed and realized within the network will be developed. Second, a microwave imaging device for monitoring and guiding microwave ablation treatments will be designed, realized and tested. This paper presents the initial research activities carried out by the CNR-IREA team within the EMERALD project.
Musculoskeletal Fundamentals: Form, Function, and a Survey of Healing Strategies

During the last decade the basic research of orthopaedics has witnessed the revolution of cell biology, molecular biology and biomedical engineering. New concepts and technologies from these basic science fi elds have been quickly utilized in the research of orthopaedics, and will finally lead to the improvement of health care in the future. Among the new concepts and technologies, stem cells, gene therapy and tissue engineering showed their outstanding features and strong potential for future application in orthopaedics, just as they did in other medical fields. In this chapter we briefly summarize the basics of these topics and their application in orthopaedics. The advantages and drawbacks are discussed, as well as the current status of research. Additionally, although basic anatomy and histology of musculoskeletal tissue has been documented decades ago, we still briefl y reviewed them in this chapter and wish to refresh the knowledge of the audience. The natural healing process of musculoskeletal tissues is also discussed in this chapter because no appropriate medical treatment can be applied without understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the tissue.
Barriers to Increasing Diversity in Orthopaedics: The Residency Program Perspective.

Background There are little data to explain why the surgical subspecialty of orthopaedic surgery struggles with improving the racial/ethnic composition of its workforce. The current work sought to determine what orthopaedic residency program directors and coordinators believe are the barriers to improving diversity at their own programs. Methods Between November 17, 2018, and April 1, 2019, a 17-question survey was electronically distributed to the program directors and coordinators of 155 allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs. Seventy-five of 155 programs (48.4%) responded to the survey. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results The most commonly stated barriers to increasing diversity within the orthopaedic surgery programs were the following: "We do not have enough minority faculty, which may deter the applicants" (69.3%), "We consistently rank minority applicants high but can never seem to match them" (56%), and "Not enough minorities are applying to our program" (54.7%). Programs with higher percentages of underrepresented minority (URM) faculty had higher percentages of URM residents (p = 0.001). Programs participating in the Nth Dimensions and/or Perry Initiative programs had a higher percentage of URM faculty as compared to the residency programs that did not participate in these programs (p = 0.004). URM residents represented 17.5% of all residents who resigned and/or were dismissed in the 10 years preceding the survey while also only representing 6% of all orthopaedic residents during the same time period. Conclusions From the orthopaedic residency program perspective, the greatest perceived barrier to increasing the racial/ethnic diversity of residents in their program is their lack of URM faculty. Surveyed programs with more URM faculty had more URM residents, and programs participating in Nth Dimensions and/or Perry Initiative programs had a higher percentage of URM faculty.
Delayed Recognition of Community Transmission of COVID-19 Resulting in Healthcare Worker Infections.

We describe a case of delayed COVID-19 diagnosis due to unrecognized community transmission in Atlanta, Georgia in mid-February 2020. This case resulted in transmission of COVID-19 to three of the four healthcare workers present during a diagnostic bronchoscopy procedure where only procedural masks were worn.
The RT formula and its discontents: spacetime and entanglement

This essay is concerned with a number of related proposals that claim there is a link between spacetime topology and quantum entanglement. I indicate the extent to which these proposals can be understood as stating a duality, and then consider two general approaches to articulating such a duality: a “state-based” approach, under which one attempts to identify relevant topological states as dual to quantum entangled states; and an “observable-based” approach, under which one attempts to identify relevant topological observables as dual to quantum entangement observables. Both approaches are faced with issues, essentially due to the ambiguous nature of quantum entanglement, that remain to be addressed.
Peripheral blood eosinophilia in owl monkeys is associated with increased eosinophilopoiesis yet depressed recruitment kinetics to the Chemokine RANTES.

New world nonhuman primates of the genus Aotus (owl monkeys) can be categorized by 11 distinct karyotypes (K). It has been demonstrated that monkeys of K-VI persistently have one order of magnitude more eosinophils (EOS) in the peripheral blood than K-I monkeys. The purpose of this study was to investigate the basis for this difference and examine EOS recruitment using two cutaneous models of inflammation. Peripheral blood EOS were isolated on metrizamide gradients to > or = 95% purity and then used for phenotypic studies. There were no significant differences when comparing karyotypes in the ratio of normodense (K-I, 6.4% +/- 3.8%; K-VI, 21.1% +/- 8.8%) EOS or their survival in culture (K-I, 5.3% +/- 2.9% at 72 hours; K-VI, 2.8% +/- 0.7% at 72 hours) (P > .05). Examination of bone marrow revealed that K- VI monkeys had greater than fivefold more EOS and EOS precursors than K- I animals. To examine EOS function in recruitment, monkeys of each karyotype were given a single intradermal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or human recombinant (PMN) and mononuclear cells occurred in response to LPS as early as 4 hours after injection; the severity of infiltration was similar in both karyotypes and at all time points up to 24 hours. In contrast, by 8 hours after intradermal injection of RANTES, leukocyte infiltration in K-I monkeys consisted mostly of PMN (94.8% +/- 0.7%) that were predominantly EOS. In comparison, there was essentially no infiltrate in K-VI animals at all time points. There was no difference in VCAM-1 expression in response to intradermal LPS or RANTES between the two karyotypes. These results suggest that the genetic basis of peripheralblood eosinophilia in K-VI owl monkeys is likely a function of heightened eosinophilopoiesis and depressed recruitment kinetics from the peripheral circulatory pool in response to RANTES.
n-low elements and maximal rank k reflection subgroups of Coxeter groups

Abstract This paper proves the conjectures (previously proved in the case n = 0 ) that for any Coxeter system ( W , S ) and any natural number n, the set of n-small roots for W is bipodal and the set of n-low elements of W is a Garside shadow. The proof here uses special cases ( k = 3 ) of properties (notably, their existence) of certain maximal rank k reflection subgroups of W, for non-negative integers k.
Association of oral contraceptives and tubal ligation with risk of early natural menopause.

Study question What is the association of oral contraceptives (OCs) and tubal ligation (TL) with early natural menopause? Summary answer We did not observe an association of OC use with risk of early natural menopause; however, TL was associated with a modestly higher risk. What is known already OCs manipulate hormone levels, prevent ovulation, and may modify the rate of follicular atresia, while TL may disrupt the blood supply to the ovaries. These mechanisms may be associated with risk of early menopause, a condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other adverse health outcomes. Study design, size, duration We examined the association of OC use and TL with natural menopause before the age of 45 years in a population-based study within the prospective Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) cohort. Participants were followed from 1989 to 2017 and response rates were 85-90% for each cycle. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants included 106 633 NHSII members who were premenopausal and aged 25-42 years at baseline. Use, duration and type of OC, and TL were measured at baseline and every 2 years. Menopause status and age were assessed every 2 years. Follow-up continued until early menopause, age 45 years, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, death, cancer diagnosis, or loss to follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs adjusted for lifestyle, dietary, and reproductive factors. Main results and the role of chance Over 1.6 million person-years, 2579 members of the analytic cohort experienced early natural menopause. In multivariable models, the duration, timing, and type of OC use were not associated with risk of early menopause. For example, compared with women who never used OCs, those reporting 120+ months of OC use had an HR for early menopause of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.87-1.17; P for trend=0.71). TL was associated with increased risk of early menopause (HR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.06-1.28). Limitations, reasons for caution Our study population is homogenous with respect to race and ethnicity. Additional evaluation of these relations in more diverse populations is important. Wider implications of the findings To our knowledge, this is the largest study examining the association of OC use and TL with early natural menopause to date. While TL was associated with a modest higher risk of early menopause, our findings do not support any material hazard or benefit for the use of OCs. Study funding/competing interest(s) The study was sponsored by UO1CA176726 and R01HD078517 from the National Institutes of Health and Department of Health and Human Services. The work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The authors have no competing interests to report. Trial registration number N/A.
Transnational architecture and urbanism: Rethinking how cities plan, transform and learn, by Davide Ponzini: London and New York, Routledge, 2020

First published in 2011 and reissued in 2016, Davide Ponzini and Michele Nastasi’s Starchitecture: Scenes, Actors, and Spectacles arrived as a balanced piece of analysis hiding in spectacle. Behind...
Statewide impact of the COVID pandemic on pediatric appendicitis in California: A multicenter study.

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in delays in presentation for other urgent medical conditions, including pediatric appendicitis. Several single-center studies have reported worse outcomes, but no state-level data is available. We aimed to determine the statewide effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and management of pediatric appendicitis patients. Materials and Methods Patients Results Rates of perforated appendicitis were unchanged (40.4% of 592 patients pre-COVID versus 42.1% of 606 patients COVID-era, P = 0.17). The median symptom duration was 2 days in both cohorts (P = 0.90). Computed tomography (CT) use rose from 39.8% pre-COVID to 49.4% during COVID (P = 0.002). Non-operative management increased during the pandemic (8.8% pre-COVID versus 16.2% COVID-era, P Conclusions Pediatric perforated appendicitis rates did not rise during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in California in this multicenter study, and there were no delays in presentation noted. There was a higher rate of CT scans, non-operative management, and longer hospital lengths of stay.
Role of Cholesterol in Biomembranes and Related Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the molecular aspects of interaction between cholesterol and phospholipids. It reviews mainly how these subtle interlipid interactions modify the gross functions of membranes. In the solid state, cholesterol is not readily dispersed in water or electrolyte solutions that could occur naturally. Yet, because cholesterol is integrated into all cells and most body fluids in nonparticulate form, some very efficient methods of microdispersion and phase change must operate biologically. Solubilization of cholesterol can be achieved in ternary systems with lecithin as the amphiphile, in which case, a complex, stable mesophase develops at a certain critical concentration. Evidence for the interaction of cholesterol with phospholipids to modify a bilayer has come from a variety of sources. Studies on sonicated dispersions of phospholipid in water indicate that the dispersions containing cholesterol are heavier, more asymmetrical, less hydrated, and more rigid. These changes are reflected in various properties of the liposomes. The effect of cholesterol on phospholipid dispersions in benzene is not so significant. However, available evidence does suggest that cholesterol is incorporated into the phospholipid aggregates. The chapter describes the evidence concerning possible interaction of cholesterol with phospholipids in the aqueous phase from the use of physical techniques.
Microbial ecology of corals, sponges, and algae in mesophotic coral environments

Mesophotic coral ecosystems that occur at depths from 30 to 200 m have historically been understudied and yet appear to support a diverse biological community. The microbiology of these systems is particularly poorly understood, especially with regard to the communities associated with corals, sponges, and algae. This lack of information is partly due to the problems associated with gaining access to these environments and poor reproducibility across sampling methods. To summarize what is known about the microbiology of these ecosystems and to highlight areas where research is urgently needed, an overview of the current state of knowledge is presented. Emphasis is placed on the characterization of microbial populations, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, associated with corals, sponges, and algae and the factors that influence microbial community structure. In topic areas where virtually nothing is known from mesophotic environments, the knowledge pertaining to shallow-water ecosystems is summarized to provide a starting point for a discussion on what might be expected in the mesophotic zone.
Mechanical Performance of Fusion Solid Breeder and Multiplier Materials

The data base for thermal expansion, elastic constants, compressive and tensile failure strength, and secondary thermal creep of leading solid-breeder (Li/sub 2/O, Li/sub 4/SiO/sub 4/, and LiAlO/sub 2/) and multiplier (Be) materials is reviewed. Correlations for these properties are presented as a function of temperature, porosity, grain size, and stress (for thermal creep). Several stress analysis problems are then solved to assess whether the materials are likely to crack during operation and whether the breeder/multiplier materials are ''soft'' relative to structural materials after contact has been achieved. The primary purpose of the data base assessment and the stress analysis is to determine which properties have a significant impact on blanket lifetime and whether or not more data are needed for these properties. 18 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Association of RENAL nephrometry score with outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of the Radius, Exophytic, Nearness, Anterior, Location nephrometry scoring system and to investigate the influence of its individual components on perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. Methods Consecutive laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 189) and robotic partial nephrectomy (n = 109) cases from 2007 through 2011 were retrospectively reviewed from our prospectively maintained database. Urological surgeons assigned nephrometry scores, excluding cases without images available for review. The association of nephrometry score categories and individual components of the score to perioperative outcomes were assessed. Results No differences were observed in preoperative characteristics of low (n = 135), intermediate (n = 155) and high (n = 8) nephrometry groups. Higher nephrometry score was associated with an increased length of stay, estimated blood loss and warm ischemia time. Higher nephrometry scores were also associated with a greater proportion of major complications (P < 0.001). Distance to the renal sinus had the greatest impact on perioperative outcomes including operative and ischemic times, estimated blood loss, complications and length of stay. Conclusions The Radius, Exophytic, Nearness, Anterior, Location nephrometry score has value as a predictive tool for perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. Distance to the renal sinus seems to have the greatest association with outcomes. Using these findings, clinicians will be better able to counsel patients regarding anticipated perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.
The effects of toxicants on planktonic systems: an integrated approach using the analysis of size distributions

We measured size distributions in model wetlands to detect stressor effects at the community level. Two experiments investigated the individual and combined effects of methyl mercury, chlorpyrifos, atrazine, monosodium methane arsonate, and UV-B light on the system. The statistical analysis of the metric using size distributions, which integrated information about organisms 0.2–4750 µm in size, detected effects in the planktonic community. Effects were found in both experiments, but only when methyl mercury was present in the treatment structure, indicating that system level effects are most likely with broad spectrum or persistent toxicants. Methyl mercury negatively affected most size classes measured in both experiments. A methyl mercury × chlorpyrifos interaction was detected which shifted the size distribution to larger organisms more than expected, but the interaction effect was much smaller than the effect of methyl mercury alone.
Differentiation of Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus garvieae from humans by comparison of whole-cell protein patterns.

We tested 12 reference and 24 clinical strains of lactococci for physiologic characteristics using a conventional test system, the Gen-Probe Enterococcus 2 chemiluminescence assay (Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego, Calif.), the Rapid Strep identification system (Analytab Products, Plainview, N.Y.), and whole-cell protein analysis. The Gen-Probe Enterococcus 2 chemiluminescence assay for Enterococcus identification was negative with all strains. Neither the conventional test nor the Rapid Strep identification system could differentiate between the two Lactococcus spp. most commonly isolated from humans. A simple procedure, based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was developed for comparing the whole-cell protein patterns of Lactococcus spp. L. lactis and L. garvieae were differentiated by unique protein patterns. Images
Gender is a determinative factor in the initial clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease resulting in symptoms of esophageal dysmotility. Abnormalities include dysphagia, food impaction and reflux. Although men appear to comprise a majority of the EoE population, few studies have directly assessed gender-associated clinical differences. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of gender on the initial clinical presentation of adult-onset EoE patients. We reviewed our electronic medical record database from January 2008 to December 2011 for adults diagnosed with EoE per the 2011 updated consensus guidelines. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, endoscopy findings and complications were recorded. Proportions were compared using chi-squared analysis, and means were compared using the Student's t-test. A total of 162 patients met the inclusion criteria and 71 (44%) were women. Women were more likely to report chest pain (P = 0.03) and heartburn (P = 0.06), whereas men more commonly reported dysphagia (P = 0.04) and a history of food impaction (P = 0.05). Endoscopic findings were similar between groups. No patients suffered esophageal perforations. These data suggest that men report more fibrostenotic symptoms and women report more inflammatory symptoms at the time of diagnosis. There was no difference in endoscopic findings between genders. This is one of the only reviews comparing differences in clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and complications between gender for EoE. The current recommended guidelines state that any patient with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction should be biopsied for EoE. Our findings support biopsying patients with typical and atypical symptoms of dysmotility including heartburn and chest pain.
Requirements volatility and defect density

Ideally the requirements for a software system should be completely and unambiguously determined before design, coding and testing rake place. In practice, often there are changes in the requirements, causing software components to be redesigned, deleted or added. This requirements volatility causes the software to have a higher defect density. In this paper we analytically examine the influence of requirement changes taking place during different times by examining the consequences of software additions, removals and modifications. We take into account interface defects which arise due to errors at the interfaces among software sections. We compare the resulting defect density in the presence of requirement volatility, with the defect density that would have resulted had requirements not changed. The results show that if the requirement changes take place close to the release date, there is a greater impact on defect density. In each case we compute the defect equivalence factor representing the overall impact of requirement volatility.
Cyclic Functional Electrical Stimulation Does Not Enhance Gains in Hand Grasp Function When Used as an Adjunct to OnabotulinumtoxinA and Task Practice Therapy: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract Weber DJ, Skidmore ER, Niyonkuru C, Chang C-L, Huber LM, Munin MC. Cyclic functional electrical stimulation does not enhance gains in hand grasp function when used as an adjunct to onabotulinumtoxinA and task practice therapy: a single-blind, randomized controlled pilot study. Objective To determine whether onabotulinumtoxinA injections and task practice training with or without functional electrical stimulation (FES) improve upper limb motor function in chronic spastic hemiparesis. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Outpatient spasticity clinic. Participants Participants (N=23) had chronic spastic hemiparesis with moderate-severe hand impairment based on Chedoke-McMaster Assessment greater than or equal to 2. Interventions OnabotulinumtoxinA injections followed by 12 weeks of postinjection task practice. Participants randomly assigned to FES group were also fitted with an orthosis that provided FES. Main Outcome Measures Motor Activity Log (MAL)–Observation was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and MAL-Self-Report. Results For the entire cohort, MAL-Observation mean item scores improved significantly from baseline to week 6 ( P =.005) but did not remain significant at week 12. MAL-Self-Report mean item scores improved significantly ( P =.009) from baseline to week 6 and remained significantly higher ( P =.014) at week 12. ARAT total scores also improved significantly from baseline to week 6 ( P =.018) and were sustained at week 12 ( P =.032). However, there were no significant differences between the FES and no-FES groups for any outcome variable over time. Conclusions Rehabilitation strategies that combine onabotulinumtoxinA injections and task practice therapy are feasible and effective in improving upper-limb motor function and reducing spasticity in patients with chronic spastic hemiparesis. However, the cyclic FES protocol used in this study did not increase gains achieved with the combination of onabotulinumtoxinA and task practice alone.
Achieving Successful School-University Collaboration:

This research used Q methodology and follow-up interviews to investigate essential elements required to establish and maintain successful school-university partnerships as reported by principals, teachers, and university coordinators in 10 partnerships. Of the partnerships, five were voluntary and grant-related and the other five were required by the district for Chicago public schools on probation. Analysis of the 34 Q sorts (54 items based on a grounded theory of partnership process) identified five factors representing different perspectives on key elements for successful partnerships, with participants tending to load on factors based on member position and/or context of the partnership.
Sustainable brownfields redevelopment and empowering communities to participate more effectively in environmental decision-making

Abstract The mitigation and reuse of contaminated land is a central element of environmental risk management practice in high-income nations. In the United States, with approximately 1500 Superfund sites (National Research Council, 1991), over 400,000 hazardous waste sites (Environmental Research Foundation, 1993) and an indeterminate number of sites that are qualitatively less contaminated, generally known as ‘brownfields’, there is ample opportunity for environmental professionals interested in becoming actively involved in such work. The reuse of previously developed plots of land is an important environmental risk management strategy as well as a primary trajectory for advancing communities through local decision-making that seeks economic, aesthetic or recreational advantages. This edition of Local Environment will explore this topic from a variety of perspectives.
Abstract 5604: Modulation of Stat3 in the tumor microenvironment enhances adoptive T cell therapy

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Adoptive T cell transfer has shown promise in several malignancies. However, the need to expand antigen-specific T cells for prolonged periods ex vivo and the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment severely limit its antitumor efficacy. To overcome these challenges, we tested the feasibility of stimulating and expanding transferred T cells in vivo by targeting Stat3, an oncogenic transcription factor critical for mediating tumor immunosuppression. In contrast to Stat3+/+ CD8+ T cells, transferred naive CD8+ T cells with genetic Stat3 inhibition, effectively infiltrated tumors where they proliferated robustly, resulting in increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cell activity and tumor growth inhibition. To facilitate the clinical translation of these findings, we further tested sunitinib, an FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been shown to block Stat3 in several cell types. Sunitinib treatment combined with adoptive T cell transfer of Stat3−/− CD8+ T cells resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent hosts. Furthermore, sunitinib enhanced tumor T cell infiltration, dendritic cell activation and decreased tumor conversion of T regulatory cells. Targeting Stat3 in tumor cells and immune cells with sunitinib represents a novel approach to overcoming the obstacles that currently face adoptive T cell transfer therapy, which can be translated for immediate use in the clinic for treating cancer. Supported by R01CA146092-01, K12 CA 01727, Kure It Kidney Cancer Research Fund and the Richard and Nancy Bloch Research Fund. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5604.
Neurotrophin signaling through tropomyosin receptor kinases contributes to survival and proliferation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Objective Neurotrophin receptor signaling has been increasingly recognized as an important factor in the development and progression of a variety of malignancies. In order to analyze the potential contribution of neurotrophin signaling to lymphoma cell survival, we investigated the role of a neurotrophin axis in promoting survival and proliferation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cells. Materials and Methods The role of neurotrophins in the survival and proliferation of NHL cells was determined by exposing cells to the Trk-specific inhibitor, K252a, and then performing 3H-thymidine incorporation and Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. The involvement of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in this process was studied using Western blot, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunofluorescence assays. Results Here we demonstrate that both primary NHL cells and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines express Trk receptors and their neurotrophin ligands. Furthermore, these cells are sensitive to the Trk-specific inhibitor, K252a, as evidenced by the inhibition of proliferation and/or induction of apoptosis. Analysis of the mechanism into the effects of K252a revealed that, in the OCI-LY3 cell line, K252a induced a subnuclear distribution of NF-κB resulting in the sequestration of RelA in the nucleolus, thereby inhibiting NF-κB−dependent gene transcription. This results in the loss of interleukin-6 production; a known survival-promoting signal for OCI-LY3, as well as many primary diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Conclusion Thus, Trk receptors represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of NHL.
Carl J. Friedrich on Responsibility and Authority

Carl J. Friedrich’s concept of administrative responsibility is examined in his published works from 1935 to 1960. Friedrich’s idea of responsibility encompassed not only political and personal responsibility within the hierarchy of bureaucratic organizations, but also functional responsibility based on scientific knowledge and professional standards required by the reality of administrative discretion. Friedrich’s notion of responsibility is contrasted with that of Herman Finer, who espoused strict obedience to political and administrative superiors. An examination of the NOMOS series of edited volumes from the later stage of Friedrich’s career reflects the consistency of his views on responsibility and on the relationship of responsibility to authority based on reasoned communication. Friedrich’s optimism regarding such authority contrasts with Hannah Arendt’s view that authority is no longer an operative concept in modern society. Friedrich lays an important foundation for continued interest among public administrative scholars in the concept of administrative responsibility.
Inhibition of vasculogenesis, but not angiogenesis, prevents the recurrence of glioblastoma after irradiation in mice

Despite the high doses of radiation delivered in the treatment of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the tumors invariably recur within the irradiation field, resulting in a low cure rate. Understanding the mechanism of such recurrence is therefore important. Here we have shown in an intracranial GBM xenograft model that irradiation induces recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) into the tumors, restoring the radiation-damaged vasculature by vasculogenesis and thereby allowing the growth of surviving tumor cells. BMDC influx was initiated by induction of HIF-1 in the irradiated tumors, and blocking this influx prevented tumor recurrence. Previous studies have indicated that BMDCs are recruited to tumors in part through the interaction between the HIF-1-dependent stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor, CXCR4. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF-1 or of the SDF-1/CXCR4 interaction prevented the influx of BMDCs, primarily CD11b+ myelomonocytes, and the postirradiation development of functional tumor vasculature, resulting in abrogation of tumor regrowth. Similar results were found using neutralizing antibodies against CXCR4. Our data therefore suggest a novel approach for the treatment of GBM: in addition to radiotherapy, the vasculogenesis pathway needs to be blocked, and this can be accomplished using the clinically approved drug AMD3100, a small molecule inhibitor of SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions.
On lp-approximate solutions of linear equations

For 1 ⩽ p ⩽ ∞, the lp-approximate solutions of Ax = b are the minimizers of ‖Ax − b‖p, where ‖ · ‖p is the lp-norm. We consider the special case where the null space of AT is one-dimensional. Sample results: (a) If 1 ⩽ p ⩽ ∞ and A is m x (m − 1) of rank m −1, then there is a matrix A{p} (depending on A and p) such that, for every b ∈ Rm, the vector A{p}b is an lp-approximate solution of Ax = b, which is unique if 1 < p < ∞. (b) If 1 < p < ∞ and A is m x n of rank m − 1, then there is a matrix A{p}{2} (depending on A and p) such that for every b ∈ Rm the vector A{p}{2}b is the lp-approximate solution of minimal euclidean norm. (c) Let 1 ⩽ p ⩽ ∞, and let A be m x n of rank m – 1. Then there is a vector r{p} (computed from any least-squares solution of Ax = b) such that any ordinary solution of the auxiliary equation Ax = b + r{p} is an lp-approximate solution of Ax = b.
Volatile organic compounds in the blood of persons in Kuwait during the oil fires.

Between March and November of 1991, approximately 9000 workers from 43 different countries battled the burning oil wells in Kuwait. To document the exposure of persons in Kuwait during the oil well fires to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we obtained samples of blood from 14 U.S. personnel in Kuwait City in May of 1991 (group I) and 40 American firefighters working in the oil fields in October of 1991 (group II). Concentrations of VOCs in group I and group II were compared with those of a random sample of 114 persons in the United States (reference group). The median concentrations of VOCs in group I were equal to or lower than those in the reference group. We found significant differences between the median concentrations of several VOCs in group 11 and the reference group. Median levels of ethylbenzene were about 10 times higher among group II than among the reference group (0.53 μg/I vs 0.052 μg/l). Median levels of benzene, m-/p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, and toluene among group II were more than double those of the reference group. Although firefighters had higher median concentrations of VOCs than the reference group, those American personnel in Kuwait not involved in fighting the oil fires had concentrations of VOCs comparable to those in the reference group. Blood VOC measurements indicate a significant increase in exposure to VOCs in firefighters, but do not demonstrate this in personnel in Kuwait City.
Grassroots organizations and NGOs in rural development: Opportunities with diminishing states and expanding markets

Abstract This article undertakes to deal systematically with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and grassroots organizations (GROs), usually treated as a residual category. Ten levels for development decision making and action are identified in the tradition of central place theory. Three of these are considered ″local″ or ″grassroots″ because of their collective action possibilities. Then, three sectors are delineated, instead of the usual two. NGOs are part of the collective action sector which differs from the public and private sectors in theoretically consistent ways. A careful distinction is made between institutions and organizations, usually conflated in the literature. Examples of accelerated rural development through grassroots organizations and NGOs are discussed form Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Synthesis of p-nitrophenyl 6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside

Abstract The reaction of p-nitrophenyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-α- d -mannopyranoside and 2-methyl-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-α- d -glucopyrano)-[2,1-d]-2-oxazoline gave a crystalline, 6-O-substituted disaccharide derivative which, on de-isopropylidenation followed by saponification, produced the disaccharide p-nitrophenyl 6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranosyl)-α- d -mannopyranoside. Synthesis of methyl 6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranosyl)-α- d -mannopyranoside was also accomplished by a similar reaction-sequence. The structures of these disaccharides have been established by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.
Effect of Agitation Rate on Ethanol Production from Sugar Maple Hemicellulosic Hydrolysate by Pichia stipitis

Concentrated dilute acid hydrolysate was obtained from hot water extracts of Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and was fermented to ethanol by Pichia stipitis in a 1.3-L-benchtop bioreactor. The conditions under which the highest ethanol yield was achieved were when the air flow rate was set to 100 cm3 and the agitation rate was set to 150 rpm resulting in an overall mass transfer coefficient (K L a) of 0.108 min−1. A maximum ethanol concentration of 29.7 g/L was achieved after 120 h of fermentation; however, after 90 h of fermentation, the ethanol concentration was only slightly lower at 29.1 g/L with a yield of 0.39 g ethanol per gram of sugar consumed. Using the same air flow rate and adjusting the agitation rate resulted in lower ethanol yields of 0.25 g/g at 50 rpm and 0.30 g/g at 300 rpm. The time it takes to reach the maximum ethanol concentration was also affected by the agitation rate. The ethanol concentration continued to increase even after 130 h of fermentation when the agitation rate was set at 50 rpm, whereas the maximum ethanol concentration was reached after only 68.5 h at 300 rpm.
The Hopf bifurcation with symmetry for the Navier-Stokes equations in (L p (Ω)) n , with application to plane poiseuille flow

The existence of periodic solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations in function spaces based upon (L p(Ω))nis proved. The paper has three parts, (a) A proof of the existence of strong solutions of the evolution equation with initial data in a solenoidal subspace of (L p(Ω))n. (b) The evolution equation is restricted to a space of time periodic functions and a Fredholm integral equation on this space is formed. The Lyapunov-Schmidt method is applied to prove the existence of bifurcating time periodic solutions in the presence of symmetry. (c) The theory is applied to the bifurcation of periodic solutions from planar Poiseuille flow in the presence of symmetry (SO(2) x O(2) x S 1) yielding new results for this classic problem. The O(2) invariance is in the spanwise direction. With the periodicity in time and in the streamwise direction we find that generically there is a bifurcation to both oblique travelling waves and to travelling waves that are stationary in the spanwise direction. There are however points of degeneracy on the neutral surface. A numerical method is used to identify these points and an analysis in the neighborhood of the degenerate points yields more complex periodic solutions as well as branches of quasi-periodic solutions.
The use of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation for moderate to advanced glaucoma

Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) is a glaucoma surgery designed to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) by partially ablating the ciliary processes to decrease aqueous humour production and secretion. The aim of this paper is to review the literature regarding the background, indications and results of the surgery. Although there are case reports of visually devastating complications, including persistent hypotony and phthisis, the use of ECP is often reported in eyes with advanced diseases. When compared with both trabeculectomy and aqueous shunt implantation, the visual outcomes were better with ECP while the IOP outcomes were very similar. The evidence supports ECP as a very effective surgical option in recalcitrant glaucoma while some evidence supports its safety for use as a primary procedure.
DELAYED FLUORESCENCE IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS: TRANSIENT RESPONSE TO PULSED LIGHT IN CHLORELLA

— The decay of the delayed fluorescence intensity of Chlorella cells following a brief flash of light is investigated in the region of time from 1 msec to 1 sec with greater accuracy than previous investigations. It is found that the best mathematical description for this decay is the sum of several exponential decays and is thought to be evidence for the existence of several distinct components in the production of delayed fluorescence.
Many-body contributions to Green’s functions and Casimir energies

The multiple scattering formalism is used to extract irreducible $N$-body parts of Green's functions and Casimir energies describing the interaction of $N$ objects that are not necessarily mutually disjoint. The irreducible $N$-body scattering matrix is expressed in terms of single-body transition matrices. The irreducible $N$-body Casimir energy is the trace of the corresponding irreducible $N$-body part of the Green's function. This formalism requires the solution of a set of linear integral equations. The irreducible three-body Green's function and the corresponding Casimir energy of a massless scalar field interacting with potentials are obtained and evaluated for three parallel semitransparent plates. When Dirichlet boundary conditions are imposed on a plate the Green's function and Casimir energy decouple into contributions from two disjoint regions. We also consider weakly interacting triangular and parabolic wedges placed atop a Dirichlet plate. The irreducible three-body Casimir energy of a triangular and parabolic wedge is minimal when the shorter side of the wedge is perpendicular to the Dirichlet plate. The irreducible three-body contribution to the vacuum energy is finite and positive in all the cases studied.
Preliminary Thermal Model for High Temperature Processing Using Microwave Energy

Ceramics processing with microwave energy is dominated by empirical testing of small samples. Concepts and models for reconciling information between different types of heating trials, and for predicting heating performance for large parts are discussed.
Electron transport through single alkane molecules with different contact geometries on gold

We report theoretical simulations of the effects of different binding sites and metal contact geometries on the conductance through single alkanedithiol molecules on gold. Examined are the current-voltage (I- V) characteristics and the projected density of states when a one-atom-thick filament is formed at the molecule-metal interface. Filaments similar to these are believed to be formed in gold STM break-junction experiments. I- V characteristics with these contacts are compared to those of planar gold contacts at hollow or on-top sites. The results reveal that a gold filament contact produces a large change in the Fermi level lineup which significantly affects its I-V curve. The conductance decreases by a factor of 4 ∼ 6 when gold atoms are placed between the molecule and the gold surface to form a filament, and non-linearities develop. The hollow and on-top planar contacts show similar conductivities to each other and produce linear I-V curve.
State Involution: A Study of Local Finances in North China, 1911–1935

Beginning around the turn of the twentieth century, the Chinese state launched onto a course of development that seemed to resemble the process in early modern Europe that Charles Tilly and others have called state making (Tilly 1975). The phenomenon of an expanding state structure penetrating levels of society untouched before, subordinating, co-opting, or destroying the relatively autonomous authority structures of local communities in a bid to increase its command of local resources, appeared to be repeating itself in late imperial and republican China. The similarities include the impulse toward centralization, bureaucratization, and rationalization; the insatiable drive to increase revenues for both military and civilian purposes; the violent resistance of local communities to this inexorable process of intrusion and extraction; and the formation of alliances between the state and local elites to consolidate their power (Duara 1983).
Perspectives on death: A developmental study.

While prior research has focused on death anxiety in general, more recent studies have recognized the need for multilevel measures for assessing the fear of death. A 12-item questionnaire used in the present cross-sectional investigation produced three factors--Evaluation of Death in General (Factor I), Belief in the Hereafter (Factor II), and Death Anxiety Related to Self (Factor III). The sample consisted of 874 Ss categorized into six age groups from young adult to old age. A two-way ANOVA on each of the factor scores was performed for the variables age and sex. Middle-age and late middle-age persons were significantly less anxious in regard to Evaluation of Death in General than their younger and older counterparts. Old age groups showed the least Death Anxiety Related to Self. Sex differences were found for Factors II and III. Future research should differentiate the concept of death from the process of dying.
Effective treatment of H838 human non-small cell lung carcinoma with a targeted cytotoxic somatostatin analog, AN-238.

The accumulation of radioactive somatostatin analog [111In]pentetreotide in non-small cell lung cancer (non-SCLC) during scintigraphy of patients provides a rationale for investigating the efficacy of somatostatin receptor-based chemotherapy in non-SCLC. Consequently, in this study, we evaluated the antitumor effects of cytotoxic somatostatin analog AN-238 on H838 human non-SCLC xenografted into nude mice in comparison with its cytotoxic radical, 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (AN-201). The expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for human somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 (hsst2) and 5 (hsst5) in H838 cells, and tumors was also investigated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Somatostatin receptors on H838 tumors were characterized by ligand competition assay using radiolabeled somatostatin analog, RC-160. Three i.v. injections of AN-238 at 150 nmol/kg, given on days 1, 7 and 21, resulted in a significant (p<0.05) tumor growth inhibition, the final tumor volume being 60% smaller than in the controls. The tumor doubling time was also extended significantly (p<0.05) from 9.65+/-0.56 days in the controls to 17.52+/-3.3 days. Only one of 8 mice died due to toxicity. In contrast, cytotoxic radical AN-201 was ineffective and more toxic, killing 2 of 7 animals. mRNA for hsst2 was found in H838 xenografts, but not in H838 cells from which the xenografts originated. Interestingly, H838 cells grown in a special, serum-free medium did express mRNA for hsst2. mRNA for hsst5 was not found in any samples tested. Binding studies demonstrated the presence of high affinity (K(d) = 7.3+/-1.2 nM) binding sites for RC-160 with a mean maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of 953.3+/-45.3 fmol/mg protein. AN-238 at 3.14+/-0.93 nM concentration displaced 50% of radiolabeled RC-160 binding to somatostatin receptors in H838 tumors. Our results indicate that patients with inoperable non-SCLC may benefit from chemotherapy targeted to somatostatin receptors based on AN-238.