cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subdural hygroma: an unwanted result of Sylvian arachnoid cyst marsupialization

Introduction Subdural hygroma is a known complication of Sylvian fissure arachnoid cysts (SACs). However, most of the data in the literature refer to spontaneous or posttraumatic occurrence of subdural hygromas, regarded as either a favorable or an unfavorable event. Little is known about this phenomenon as a consequence of the surgical management of SACs. The present study was carried out to evaluate the significance of postoperative subdural hygromas in children with temporal arachnoid cysts, who have been treated with craniotomy and wide marsupialization of the cystic membrane.
Do Falling Import Prices Increase Market Demand for Domestically Produced Consumer Goods

Rising exchange rates can lower prices on imported consumer goods. The lower prices have two effects. A substitution effect shifts in demand from domestically produced goods to imports. An income effect also allows more import purchases. It also allows some income previously spent on imports to be shifted to domestic spending. This shift may or may not increase total demand for U.S. consumer goods. This paper finds it does, and that increases in demand for domestically produced consumer goods and services are about five times as large as the increase in demand for imported consumer goods and services. The paper also finds that the increase in demand for domestic goods is about three times as large as the increase in the trade deficit resulting from the higher exchange rate.
Determinants of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Resistance to gp41-Derived Inhibitory Peptides

A synthetic peptide, DP178, containing amino acids 127 to 162 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 Env glycoprotein, is a potent inhibitor of virus infection and virus mediated cell-to-cell fusion (C. Wild, T. Greenwell, and T. Matthews, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 9:1051-1053, 1993). In an effort to understand the mechanism of action of this peptide, we derived resistant variants of HIV-1(IIIB) and NL4-3 by serial virus passage in the presence of increasing doses of the peptide. Sequence analysis of the resistant isolates suggested that a contiguous 3-amino-acid sequence within the amino-terminal heptad repeat motif of gp41 was associated with resistance. Site-directed mutagenesis studies confirmed this observation and indicated that changes in two of these three residues were necessary for development of the resistant phenotype. Direct binding of DP178 to recombinant protein and synthetic peptide analogs containing the wild-type and mutant heptad repeat sequences revealed a strong correlation between DP178 binding and the biological sensitivity of the corresponding virus isolates to DP178. The results are discussed from the standpoints of the mechanism of action of DP178 and recent crystallographic information for a core structure of the gp41 ectodomain.
Quantification of Accessibility: Guidance for More Objective Access Guidelines

Accessibility guidelines first began as recommendations or advice to designers interested in creating products that were more accessible to users with disabilities. Over the past two decades, societies have found that relying on voluntary efforts by industry was insufficient and began creating laws and regulations regarding accessibility. However these new regulations were based on the earlier voluntary recommendations, which were often qualitative in nature. For those guidelines where there were no clear objective criteria, it has created problems both for companies trying to conform and by those trying to evaluate conformance. Described here are several efforts to create more useful and objective measures to replace previous general recommendations in the areas of photosensitive seizure disorders, contrast, and provisions relating to low vision.
Emigrantes colombianos en el sur de la florida: el recibimiento es poco acogedor

A partir de los hallazgos hechos por una prueba piloto adelantada por la Universidad Internacional de la Florida en busca del porque del significativo flujo migratorio de colombianos hacia la el su...
The effect of ventricular assist devices on post-transplant mortality an analysis of the United network for organ sharing thoracic registry.

Objectives This study sought to determine the relationship between pre-transplant ventricular assist device (VAD) support and mortality after heart transplantation. Background Increasingly, VADs are being used to bridge patients to heart transplantation. The effect of these devices on post-transplant mortality is unclear. Methods Patients 18 years or older who underwent first-time, single-organ heart transplantation in the U.S. between 1995 and 2004 were included in the analyses. This study compared 1,433 patients bridged with intracorporeal and 448 patients bridged with extracorporeal VADs with 9,455 United Network for Organ Sharing status 1 patients not bridged with a VAD with respect to post-transplant mortality. Because the proportional hazards assumption was not met, hazard ratios (HRs) for different time periods were estimated. Results Intracorporeal VADs were associated with an HR of 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.43; p = 0.03) for mortality in the first 6 months after transplant and an HR of 1.99 (95% CI: 1.44 to 2.75; p Conclusions Extracorporeal VADs are associated with higher mortality within 6 months and again beyond 5 years after transplantation. Intracorporeal VADs are associated with a small increase in mortality in the first 6 months and a clinically significant increase in mortality beyond 5 years. These data do not provide evidence supporting VAD implantation in stable United Network for Organ Sharing status I patients awaiting heart transplantation.
“Securing the Rational Foundations of Human Living:” The Pedagogical Nature of Human Law in St. Thomas Aquinas

Every form of government, whether by its action or inaction, encourages certain forms of behavior and discourages others. The moral well being of a society necessitates its consideration of civil law's legitimate role in shaping moral character. In this paper, I will attepmt to argue that the Thomistic account of civil law is not merely negative, but entails a positive pedagogy that seeks to nurture the moral virtue of its citizens, for both the viciously inclined and those who are already good. Furthermore, Aquinas’ theory of the common good is such that its role is not merely limited, i.e., through establishing some form of civic tranquility and providing basic goods of the material or economic order with little worry of the moral habits thus cultivated. The treatment of Thomas’ teaching on human law will not be fully exhausted in this paper. However, from examining the texts from the Summa Theologiae and the De Regno, it will appear evident that St. Thomas has provided a concise and intelligent framework for seeing and actualizing the necessary relationship between human law and moral virtue.
Trends in the chemistry of precipitation and surface water in a national network of small watersheds

Trends in precipitation and surface water chemistry at a network of 15 small watersheds (< 10 km 2 ) in the USA were evaluated using a statistical test for monotonic trends (the seasonal Kendall test) and a graphical smoothing technique for the visual identification of trends. Composite precipitation samples were collected weekly and surface water samples were collected at least monthly. Concentrations were adjusted before trend analysis, by volume for precipitation samples and by flow for surface water samples. A relation between precipitation and surface water trends was not evident either for individual inorganic solutes or for solute combinations, such as ionic strength, at most sites. The only exception was chloride, for which there was a similar trend at 60% of the sites. The smoothing technique indicated that short-term patterns in precipitation chemistry were not reflected in surface waters. The magnitude of the short-term variations in surface water concentration was generally larger than the overall long-term trend, possibly because flow adjustment did not adequately correct for climatic variability. Detecting the relation between precipitation and surface water chemistry trends may be improved by using a more powerful sampling strategy and by developing better methods of concentration adjustment to remove the effects of natural variation in surface waters.
Adverse events reported in progressive resistance strength training trials in older adults: 2 sides of a coin.

Abstract Liu C, Latham N. Adverse events reported in progressive resistance strength training trials in older adults: 2 sides of a coin. Objectives To summarize adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials that applied progressive resistance strength training in older adults and to examine factors that might be associated with these events. Design After systematic searches of databases, 2 reviewers independently screened and extracted adverse event–related information from identified trials. Setting Not applicable. Participants Older adults 60 years of age and above (N = 6700). Intervention Muscle strength training exercise that increases load gradually. Main Outcome Measures Adverse events and reasons for dropout. Adverse events include any undesirable outcomes that may be directly related or unrelated to the intervention. Results Among 121 trials identified, 53 trials provided no comments about adverse events, 25 trials reported no adverse events occurred, and 43 trials reported some types of adverse events. Most adverse events reported were musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strain or joint pain. Adverse events were reported more often in trials that recruited participants with certain health conditions, functional limitations, or sedentary lifestyle; in trials that applied high intensity; and in trials that were published after the 2001 Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement had been published. Reasons reported for dropout in 58 trials might be related to adverse events. The most frequent reasons for dropout were illness or medical problems. Conclusions Adverse events may be underreported because there is no consensus on the definition. Reporting adverse events associated with progressive resistance strength training in older adults is informative for practitioners to translate clinical research to clinical practice by knowing both the benefits and risks. Future trials should clearly define adverse events and report them in the published article.
Application of hybrid decoder of turbo code for wireless communication

Since 1993, turbo codes and turbo product codes (TPC) have been widely studied, and adopted in several communication systems. The iterative decoding of TPCs is traditionally performed using several soft-input/soft-output (SISO) decoders whose computational complexity can be considerable. For this reason, the complexity reduction of SISO decoders has remained an attractive research topic. In 2009 Dweik and Sharif had proposed a novel 'hybrid' iterative TPC decoder using both HIHO and SISO constituent decoders. Compared to a classical TPC decoder only relying on SISO decoders, such hybrid decoder can offer a reduced complexity and/or BER performance improvement. Furthermore, the hybrid decoder provides a high degree of design flexibility, thus allowing for an optimization of the performance/complexity tradeoff. In this paper we propose an idea, where we can apply this decoder for different wireless communication systems such as 802.16, forward error correction (FEC) and compare its performance with the existing system.
Near-infrared In 1-x Ga x P 1-z As z double-heterojunction lasers: Constant-temperature LPE growth and operation in an external-grating cavity

InP-In 1-x Ga x P 1-z As z -InP ( x \sim 0.08, z \sim 0.17 ) double-heterojuncfion (DH) lasers emitting at \lambda \sim 1.0 \mu m (77 K) have been fabricated by constant-temperature liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). The crystal-growth process is described and compared to previous work on visible spectrum ( \lambda \sim 6000 -A) In 1-x Ga x P 1-z As z double-heterojunction lasers. Emission spectra are presented for the near-infrared quaternary DH lasers. In particular, the observation of cavity oscillations in the low-level spontaneous-emission spectra allows the determination of the index dispersion quantity over a wide wavelength range. Finally, these In 1-x Ga x P 1-z As z DH lasers are operated in an external-grating cavity. Such operation permits tunable, narrow-linewidth laser emission and provides information concerning radiative-recombination processes. Comparisons are made to earlier work on external-grating operation of visible-spectrum ( \lambda \sim 6000 -A) In 1-x Ga x P 1-z As z DH lasers.
RECURRENT BULBAR URETHRAL STRICTURE IN THE REGION OF AN ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER

Urethral complications due to the artificial urinary sphincter include spongiosal atrophy and device erosion. 1 To our knowledge stricture in the region of the urethral cuff has not been reported as a long-term complication of artificial urinary sphincter implantation. We report a case in which a recurrent urethral stricture beneath the cuff has been successfully managed with periodic filiform and follower dilation.
NMR Study of Si:As and Si:P near the metal-insulator transition.

Results of pulsed NMR measurements on the $^{29}\mathrm{Si}$ spin system in Si:As and Si:P are reported for samples spanning the metal-insulator (M-I) transition. The ranges of donor concentrations ${n}_{D}$ are 1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ to 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ for Si:As and 1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ to 6.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ for Si:P. The measurements, made at 4.3 K and primarily in a resonant field of 58.5 kG, show that nonzero values of peak Knight shifts and a Korringa-like spin relaxation are observed for values of ${n}_{D}$/${n}_{c}$ as low as 0.4. Knight-shift distributions for Si:As and Si:P at a given value of ${n}_{D}$ appear to coincide at values of ${n}_{D}$ near ${10}^{20}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$, but differ near the respective critical concentrations for the two systems. Values of local Knight shifts change smoothly through the M-I transition. Knight-shift distributions determine the inhomogeneous linewidth. Spin-echo measurements give a determination of the homogeneous, dipolar width. The nuclear spin system does not relax with a single value of ${T}_{1}$. Interpretation of the data emphasizes the importance of focusing attention on the distribution of values of Knight shift and ${T}_{1}$ in this disordered system, rather than attempting to characterize the system with a single value of K or ${T}_{1}$.
The Use of Sales Quotas by Industrial Firms

It does seem obvious, in view of the high percentage of quota users in this survey, giving consideration to the fact that many firms find them impractical or impossible to use, that there is widespread usage of sales quotas among manufacturing firms capable of benefitting from them.
L-3-Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) regulates cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma proliferation independent of L-serine biosynthesis.

Abstract Background l -3-Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) is a highly conserved and widely expressed member of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily and the rate-limiting enzyme in l -serine biosynthesis. We previously found Psph expression to be uniquely upregulated in a α6β4 integrin transgenic mouse model that is predisposed to epidermal hyperproliferation and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) formation implicating a role for Psph in epidermal homeostasis. Objective We examined the status of PSPH in normal skin epidermis and skin tumors along with its sub-cellular localization in epidermal keratinocytes and its requirement for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) proliferation. Methods First, an immunohistochemical study was performed for PSPH in normal skin and skin cancer specimens and in cultured keratinocytes. Next, biochemical analyses were performed to confirm localization of PSPH and to identify candidate binding proteins. Finally, proliferation and apoptosis studies were performed in human SCC and normal keratinocytes, respectively, transduced with vectors encoding small hairpin RNAs targeting PSPH or overexpressing a phosphatase-deficient PSPH mutant. Results PSPH is expressed throughout the proliferative layer of the epidermis and hair follicles in rodent and human skin and is highly induced in SCC. In keratinocytes, PSPH is a cytoplasmic protein that primarily localizes to endosomes and is present primarily as a homodimer. Knock down of PSPH dramatically diminished SCC cell proliferation and cyclin D1 levels in the presence of exogenous of l -serine production suggesting a non-canonical role for PSPH in epithelial carcinogenesis. Conclusions Psph is highly induced in proliferative normal keratinocytes and in skin tumors. PSPH appears to be critical for the proliferation of SCC cells; however, this phenomenon may not involve the phosphoserine metabolic pathway.
Optimal content delivery in DSA networks: A path auction based framework

In this paper, we address the problem of Optimal Content Delivery (OCD) in Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) networks, where the source of a flow sends data traffic to the destination in exchange for some monetary benefit, such as a subscription fee. Also, each intermediate secondary node incurs a cost for routing traffic. We propose a path auction based content delivery mechanism in which each secondary node announces its cost (considered as private information) to the auction mechanism. Based on the announced costs, the optimal flow rate between the end nodes is determined, a multi-path route is chosen and payments are made to the nodes that route traffic, such that the profit of the source node is maximized in sending data to the destination. Furthermore, the auction mechanism is strategy-proof, i.e., it can induce the intermediate nodes to truthfully declare their costs. We provide polynomial time algorithms for implementing our auction based content delivery mechanism in DSA networks.
Nanoscale order and crystallization in nitrogen-alloyed amorphous GeTe

The nanoscale order in amorphous GeTe thin films is measured using fluctuation transmission electron microscopy (FTEM). The order increases upon annealing at 145 °C, which indicates a coarsening of subcritical nuclei. This correlates with a reduction in the nucleation delay time in laser crystallization. A shift in the FTEM peak positions may indicate a transformation in local bonding. In samples alloyed with 12 at. % nitrogen, the order does not change upon annealing, the peak does not shift, and the nucleation time is longer. The FTEM data indicate that nitrogen suppresses the structural evolution necessary for the nucleation process and increases the thermal stability of the material.
Heterodimeric Receptor Complexes Determine 3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine and Retinoid Signaling Specificities

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and retinoic acid receptors (RARs) have been shown to interact with nuclear auxiliary proteins resulting in heteromeric complexes that bind strongly to their responsive elements. Recently the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) have been identified as one class of these nuclear proteins. RXRs strongly increase binding of TRs and RARs to a synthetic thyroid hormone (and retinoic acid) responsive element. Here results show that the binding of the heteromeric complexes to various natural response elements is highly specific and dictated by the partner of RXR in the complex. TR alpha and TR beta formed complexes with RXR alpha that strongly and selectively bound to natural thyroid hormone responsive elements, i.e. those from the rat alpha-myosin heavy chain gene and the rat malic enzyme gene. RXR alpha complexes with RAR alpha, RAR beta, and RAR gamma bound selectively to retinoic acid responsive elements from the human RAR beta 2 gene (hRAR beta 2), the gene of the rat cellular retinol binding protein I and the human apolipoprotein A1 gene. Under the conditions used here RXR alpha by itself did not bind to any of the responsive elements tested. Although TRs and RARs formed heterodimers with RXR in solution, these complexes were strongly stabilized by specific, high affinity response elements, but not by low affinity response elements. Transfection analyses showed strong synergism between receptors that formed effective heterodimers in transcriptional activation on several but not all response elements. Overall, these data demonstrate that RARs and TRs are unlikely to function as monomers or homodimers on the response elements investigated here and require RXRs or comparable proteins for effective response element activation.
Evolution of Wear Characteristics and Frictional Behavior in MEMS Devices

A surface-micromachined nanotractor device has been used to investigate the tribological behavior of MEMS devices made of polycrystalline silicon. An accelerated wear test, spanning several hundreds of thousands of cycles, was developed to monitor the evolution of wear characteristics and frictional behavior during its operational lifetime. Postmortem microscopic observations of the wear surfaces revealed features that can be categorized into two regimes of wear: (i) adhesion-dominated wear and (ii) third-body wear. The former was characterized by asperity blunting, plastic deformation of asperity peaks, and smearing of fine wear debris into a thin-surface film. With an increased number of wear cycles, the wear mechanism transitioned to the latter regime which consisted of debris agglomeration and material removal through scratches induced by these agglomerates. Finally, it was theorized that one of the agglomerates grows to a large size, adheres to one of the contact surfaces and causes severe wear in a localized region on the counter surface to lock the two surfaces and cause device failure.
Critical Differences Among Beta-Adrenoreceptor Antagonists in Myocardial Failure: Debating the MERIT of COMET

In the United States, carvedilol and metoprolol (tartrate or succinate) are the most commonly employed beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists for the treatment of heart failure. However, use of these agents in patients with heart failure remains extremely low despite overwhelming evidence of their beneficial short- and long-term effects. Because the myocardial pathophysiology associated with heart failure involves not only beta-1 adrenoreceptors but also beta-2 and alpha-1 adrenoreceptors, this indicates a more complex disease process that may require pan-receptor antagonism to provide optimal clinical benefit. Relative to metoprolol (tartrate or succinate), carvedilol represents an extremely complex molecular entity that not only possesses the ability to antagonize all of the principle adrenoreceptors involved in heart failure but also reduces oxidative stress and provides an antiarrhythmic benefit independent of beta-adrenoreceptor antagonism. Taken together, an interesting pharmacologic premise for the superiority of carvedilol relative to metoprolol (tartrate) may exist, but the lack of clinical trials comparing an optimal dose of either extended-release metoprolol (ie, succinate) or immediate-release metoprolol (ie, tartrate) to carvedilol limits the clinical application of the pharmacologic differences between the agents.
High power ceramic resistors square wave pulse and impulse testing

Ceramic resistors are used for many pulsed power applications and the accuracy of the performance is vital information. There were two different experiments used to determine the performance of this resistor: a square-wave pulse voltage and an impulse voltage. High voltage ceramic resistors were tested towards its maximum impulse limitations during these experiments. The pulse or impulse duration time was adjusted to maximize the energy and power delivered to the resistor. From these experiments, the amount of average power and energy absorbed by the resistor determined its limits regardless of the voltage profile curve during the pulse. The resistors were analyzed through a model initially, and then physically investigated. The ratings and results from the experiments are also represented graphically.
Higher-order QED calculation of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion production of μ + μ − pairs

A higher-order QED calculation of the ultraperipheral heavy-ion cross section for {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} pair production at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider is carried out. The so-called Coulomb corrections lead to an even greater percentage decrease of {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} production from perturbation theory than the corresponding decrease for e{sup +}e{sup -} pair production. Unlike the e{sup +}e{sup -} case, the finite charge distribution of the ions (form factor) and the necessary subtraction of impact parameters with matter overlap are significant effects in calculation an observable ultraperipheral {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} total cross section.
7.5.2 Risk Analysis

This paper presents a risk analysis example with quantitative data for frequency of occurrence and severity of consequences. It presents an algorithm for deriving severity scores. Then it shows use of a risk management tool that is commonly used in industry. Finally it presents many other factors that affect human perception of risk. Identifying and controlling risk is a characteristic behavior of intelligent enterprises.
Evaluation of Vertebral Volumetric vs. Areal Bone Mineral Density During Growth

Bone mineral "density" (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) does not represent the volumetric density (grams per cubic centimeter), but rather the areal density (grams per square centimeter). This distinction is important during growth. The purpose of this study was to measure vertebral dimensions in cadavers of young pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina), and to derive equations to predict the volumetric bone density from noninvasive measurements. We measured the areal bone density by DEXA, vertebral volume by underwater weighing, mineral content by ashing, dimensions of lumbar vertebrae by calipers, and dimensions of vertebrae by radiography. Somatometric measurements of the female lumbar vertebral bodies showed that the shape changed during growth. The bone mineral content from the densitometer correlated significantly with the ash weight (r = 0.99, error 8.7%). The correlation coefficient between the volumetric bone mineral density and areal BMD measurement was significant (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001) with a 9.5% error; this improved significantly to 0.82 (7.2% error) when the BMD was divided by the vertebral depth from the radiograph. A real BMD showed a strong correlation with age (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001), with an average increase of 7.4%/year. In contrast, volumetric mineral density showed a weak relationship with age (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), for an average increase of 1.5%/year. When studying bone mineral density during growth, the differences between volumetric and areal bone mineral density should be taken into consideration.
Neuroinflammation: a potential therapeutic target.

The increased appreciation of the importance of glial cell-propagated inflammation (termed ‘neuroinflammation’) in the progression of pathophysiology for diverse neurodegenerative diseases, has hei...
Tauroursodeoxycholate increases rat liver ursodeoxycholate levels and limits lithocholate formation better than ursodeoxycholate

Abstract Background & Aims: To explain the greater hepatoprotective effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid vs. ursodeoxycholic acid, the absorption, hepatic enrichment, and biotransformation of these bile acids (250 mg/day) were compared in rats. Methods: Bile acids were determined in intestinal contents, feces, urine, plasma, and liver by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The concentration of ursodeoxycholate in the liver of animals administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid (175 ± 29 nmol/g) was greater ( P
Ligand-targeted delivery of small interfering RNAs to malignant cells and tissues

Potential clinical applications of small interfering RNA (siRNA) are hampered primarily by delivery issues. We have successfully addressed the delivery problems associated with off-site targeting of highly toxic chemotherapeutic agents by attaching the drugs to tumor-specific ligands that will carry the attached cargo into the desired cancer cell. Indeed, several such tumor-targeted drugs are currently undergoing human clinical trials. We now show that efficient targeting of siRNA to malignant cells and tissues can be achieved by covalent conjugation of small-molecular-weight, high-affinity ligands, such as folic acid and DUPA (2-[3-(1, 3-dicarboxy propyl)-ureido] pentanedioic acid), to siRNA. The former ligand binds a folate receptor that is overexpressed on a variety of cancers, whereas the latter ligand binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen that is overexpressed specifically on prostate cancers and the neovasculature of all solid tumors. Using these ligands, we show remarkable receptor-mediated targeting of siRNA to cancer tissues in vitro and in vivo.
Electromagnetic Mass Difference of Kaons

Using the algebra of currents, modified Weinberg sum rules, and the tadpole model of Coleman, Glashow, and Schnitzer, we calculate the kaon electromagnetic mass difference in the soft-kaon limit to be -3.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6 MeV, in excellent agreement with experiment.
The Current Role of Lymph Node Dissection in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma

The role of lymph node dissection remains controversial in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma. Incidental renal masses are being diagnosed at increasing rates due to the routine use of CT scans. Despite the increase in incidental diagnosis of renal masses, 20% to 30% of patients present with metastatic disease. Currently, surgeons do not routinely perform lymph node dissection unless there is gross evidence of lymphadenopathy, as patients without clinical evidence of lymphadenopathy rarely have positive nodes at the time of surgery. Patients with metastatic disease to the regional lymph nodes have a poor overall prognosis. However, some evidence supports a therapeutic benefit of lymphadenectomy in these patients. Further, the staging information gained from diagnosing lymph node involvement may allow for the use of new agents to treat metastatic disease and effect outcomes.
Multifrequency behavioral patterns and the phase attractive circle map

With relative phase as a collective variable or order parameter, phase attractive dynamics can capture the temporally coherent behavior of a large number of different experimental systems. We present results from multifrequency coordination experiments in humans showing: a) that phase attraction persists especially for low order frequency ratios; b) that short-term jumps from one phase relation to another occur within a frequency ratio; c) that the most stable frequency-ratios are low order; and d) that transitions frequently occur from higher order (e.g. 5?2, 4?3) to lower order (2?1, 1?1) frequency ratios. We study a modified sine circle map with built-in phase attractive dynamics that qualitatively accounts for these results. In this phase-attractive map, patterns arise from competition between external driving and intrinsic phase attractive dynamics. The relative strength of extrinsic and intrinsic parameters determines the width of Arnol'd tongues, thereby influencing the delay or acceleration of irregular behavior. Behavioral complexity is inversely proportional to tongue width, thus accounting for the relative difficulty of performing different multifrequency behaviors and why "errors" in such behavior are often seen to occur.
Rotational properties of neutron star models

Rotational properties of neutron star models for Crab Nebula energy source, using expressions for angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy
Epidemiology of serum uric acid among 8000 Japanese-American men in Hawaii.

Abstract Distribution of serum uric acid (SUA) levels among 8000 men of Japanese ancestry living in Hawaii and the relationships between SUA and a number of biological, clinical and socio-cultural variables were investigated. Stepwise regression analysis of SUA on fifteen independent variables selected on the basis of univariate analysis revealed that relative weight was by far the most important correlate with SUA. Alcohol intake, serum triglyceride, diabetes (negative association) and diastolic pressure, in order of relative importance, were also significantly associated with SUA.
How arginine-rich domains coordinate mRNA maturation events.

Maturation of RNA is highly regulated from transcription to the post-transcriptional processing and localization to specific cellular compartments. The complexes that contribute to these events are in many cases well understood; however, many of the protein factors that coordinate and regulate these RNA processing events remain poorly characterized. Among them are arginine-rich domains, most commonly sequences rich in arginine/serine (RS domains) or arginine/glycine/glycine (RGG boxes), that often appear among factors and complexes involved in RNA processing. They are emerging as key yet poorly understood players in the assembly and coupling of RNA processing events.
With the Stroke of a Pen: Executive Orders and Presidential Power. By Kenneth R. Mayer. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2001. 298p. $39.95.

Given the recent events in the realm of presidential policymaking over the past decade, Kenneth R. Mayer has produced a timely book chronicling the use of executive orders that will be of considerable interest to political scientists, historians, legal scholars, and journalists alike. Existing research on the topic of executive orders has been largely addressed by constitutional legal scholars who possess little interest in emphasizing a generalizable understanding of this tool of executive authority. In recent years, a small yet growing-body of political science research has tried to obtain a social scientific–motivated portrait regarding the institutional and behavioral dimensions of executive order issuance by presidents. Mayer makes a strong case for using new institutional economics (NIE) as a “way of making sense of the wide range of executive orders issued over the years” (p. 28). The NIE theoretical approach that Mayer applies to presidential leadership takes a long-term view, compared to other works on presidential leadership, by positing “that presidents can achieve substantive (policy) results not simply by giving commands, but by creating and altering institutional structures and processes” (p. 29).
The physiology and ecological implications of efficient growth

The natural habitats of microbes are typically spatially structured with limited resources, so opportunities for unconstrained, balanced growth are rare. In these habitats, selection should favor microbes that are able to use resources most efficiently, that is, microbes that produce the most progeny per unit of resource consumed. On the basis of this assertion, we propose that selection for efficiency is a primary driver of the composition of microbial communities. In this article, we review how the quality and quantity of resources influence the efficiency of heterotrophic growth. A conceptual model proposing innate differences in growth efficiency between oligotrophic and copiotrophic microbes is also provided. We conclude that elucidation of the mechanisms underlying efficient growth will enhance our understanding of the selective pressures shaping microbes and will improve our capacity to manage microbial communities effectively.
Effect of the extracranial deep brain stimulation lead on radiofrequency heating at 9.4 Tesla (400.2 MHz)

Purpose: To study the effect of the extracranial portion of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead on radiofrequency (RF) heating with a transmit and receive 9.4 Tesla head coil. Materials and Methods: The RF heating was studied in four excised porcine heads (mean animal head weight = 5.46 ± 0.14 kg) for each of the following two extracranial DBS lead orientations: one, parallel to the coil axial direction; two, perpendicular to the coil axial direction (i.e., azimuthal). Temperatures were measured using fluoroptic probes at four locations: one, scalp; two, near the second DBS lead electrode-brain contact; three, near the distal tip of the DBS lead; and four, air surrounding the head. A continuous wave RF power was delivered to each head for 15 min using the coil. Net, delivered RF power was measured at the coil (mean whole head average specific absorption rate = 2.94 ± 0.08 W/kg). Results: RF heating was significantly reduced when the extracranial DBS lead was placed in the axial direction (temperature change = 0–5°C) compared with the azimuthal direction (temperature change = 1–27°C). Conclusion: Development of protocols seems feasible to keep RF heating near DBS electrodes clinically safe during ultra-high field head imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:600–607. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Addressing Broader Impacts through Research Center - Science Museum Partnerships

Education outreach partnerships between science and engineering research organizations and informal science education institutions (ISIs), such as science museums, can help research organizations to fulfill their “broader impacts” criteria as well as to advance their institutional interests in forging meaningful connections through the community. For the ISIs, such partnerships can help them serve their mission to public and school constituencies, providing more robust opportunities for increased engagement with current research. Because of the greater latitude for experimentation in ISI environments than typically found in formal education environments, these collaborative efforts can often produce innovative science education products and experiences that can also nourish and inform K-12 teaching practice and professional development. The NSF Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network is pursuing a strategy of fostering community-based partnerships between materials and nanoscale science and engineering research centers and ISIs in order encourage widespread collaborative development of effective science and engineering educational experiences for public and school audiences on an ongoing basis.
The initiation and sequence of digital joint motion: A three-dimensional motion analysis

We studied the initiation and sequence of digital joint motion during unrestricted flexion and extension using a 3-D motion analysis of all fingers moving simultaneously. Our results showed that motion started in a single joint in 83% of flexion and 80% of extension cycles. The DIP joint initiated flexion and extension in the index, middle, and ring fingers, but in the little finger, flexion started in the PIP joint, and extension in the MP joint. The two most frequent sequences of joint movement during flexion of the three radial fingers were DIP-PIP-MP and PIP-DIP-MP. The two most frequent sequences during extension of the three radial fingers were DIP-MP-PIP followed by DIP-MP/PIP. In the little finger, however, the most frequent sequences during flexion were PIP-DIP-MP followed by DIP-PIP-MP and during extension, DIP-MP/PIP followed by PIP/DIP-MP.
Differential roles of NR2A and NR2B subtypes in NMDA receptor-dependent protein synthesis in dendrites

Protein synthesis in dendrites is critical for long-term synaptic plasticity. Previous studies have identified an essential role of NMDA receptors in control of activity-dependent dendritic protein synthesis, but the contribution of NR2A- and NR2B-containing NMDA receptors, the two predominant subtypes of NMDA receptors in the forebrain, has not been determined. Using a pharmacological approach, we investigated the role of NR2A and NR2B subtypes in the regulation of NMDA-induced dendritic translation of a GFP reporter mRNA controlled by CaMKII untranslated regions (UTRs). We found that ifenprodil and Ro25-6981, two specific inhibitors of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors, did not affect dendritic GFP synthesis induced by NMDA. In contrast, NVP-AAM077, an antagonist that preferentially blocks the NR2A subtype, completely abolished NMDA-induced GFP synthesis in dendrites. Our results together suggest that NR2A but not NR2B subtypes are indispensable for NMDA receptor-dependent dendritic protein synthesis.
The Feynman-Stratonovich semigroup and stratonovich integral expansions in nonlinear filtering

Representations for the solution of the Zakai equation in terms of multiple Stratonovich integrals are derived. A new semigroup (the Feynman-Stratonovich semigroup) associated with the Zakai equation is introduced and using the relationship between multiple Stratonovich integrals and iterated Stratonovich integrals, a representation for the unnormalized conditional density,u(t,x), solely in terms of the initial density and the semigroup, is obtained. In addition, a Fourier seriestype representation foru(t,x) is given, where the coefficients in this representation uniquely solve an infinite system of partial differential equations. This representation is then used to obtain approximations foru(t,x). An explicit error bound for this approximation, which is of the same order as for the case of multiple Wiener integral representations, is obtained.
Signaling mechanism for receptor-activated canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels.

Abstract Canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) is a receptor-activated, calcium permeant, non-selective cation channel. TRPC3 has been shown to interact physically with the N-terminal domain of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, consistent with a “conformational coupling” mechanism for its activation. Here we show that low concentrations of agonists that fail to produce levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate sufficient to induce Ca2+ release from intracellular stores substantially activate TRPC3. By several experimental approaches, we demonstrate that neither inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate nor G proteins are required for TRPC3 activation. However, diacylglycerols were sufficient to activate TRPC3 in a protein kinase C-independent manner. Surface receptor agonists and exogenously applied diacylglycerols were not additive in activating TRPC3. In addition, inhibition of metabolism of diacylglycerol slowed the reversal of receptor-dependent TRPC3 activation. We conclude that receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C in intact cells activates TRPC3 via diacylglycerol production, independently of G proteins, protein kinase C, or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate.
Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 mediates CREB phosphorylation in double-stranded RNA-stimulated endothelial cells

One of the products of a calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) attack of plasmenylcholine, lysoplasmenylcholine, has previously been shown to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Because endothelial cells respond to some agonists in part by the activation of iPLA2, the present study was designed to determine whether double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the primary activator of the antiviral response in endothelial cells, elicits cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation through a mechanism mediated by iPLA2. dsRNA stimulated CREB phosphorylation in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells that was inhibited by the iPLA2 inhibitor, bromoenol lactone, and the PKA inhibitor, H-89. Additionally, the product of iPLA2 hydrolysis of plasmenylcholine and lysoplasmenylcholine elicited CREB phosphorylation in bovine pulmonary endothelial cells. Taken together, the present studies suggest that dsRNA as well as other agonists of endothelial cells elicit signaling mechanisms that include in part CREB phosphorylation mediated by iPLA2.
THE POLAR CAP ABSORPTION EFFECT

Techniques for observing polar-cap absorption (PCA) events are outiined. The characteristics, time sequences, associated solar-terrestial phenomena, and effects of geomagnetic storms on PCA events are reviewed. The height of the absorbing region during the PCA event is considered. Solar radio emission during a Type-IV radio outburst is investigated, and the natures and spectra of solar particles that may be associated with PCA events are examined. The emission and interplanetary storage of solar protons is considered. The relations between PCA events and other solar-terrestial effects are studied. (T.F.H.)
Histidine attenuates cerebral vasospasm in a rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract BACKGROUND Free radical generation following hemolysis of a subarachnoid blood clot is believed to be a key component in the development of cerebral vasospasm. Histidine, an essential amino acid with free radical scavenging characteristics, was examined for its effects on cerebral vasospasm. METHODS An experimental rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced vasospasm was used in which autologous arterial blood was injected into the cisterna magna. Basilar arteries were removed following perfusion-fixation two days after the injection of blood, and their cross-sectional luminal areas were measured using computerized image analysis. Rabbits received intravenous injections of L-histidine or vehicle starting 30 min prior to induction of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), with additional injections given four times per day for the next 2 days. RESULTS The luminal area of arteries from animals treated with histidine (50 mg/kg/dose or 100 mg/kg/dose) were significantly larger than those from vehicle-treated animals. Relative to the SAH-only groups (mean cross-sectional area = 106.8 × 10 3 μm 2 ), vasoconstriction was attenuated by 31% in the low dose treatment group (180.0 × 10 3 μm 2 ) and by 52% in the high dose treatment group (227.4 × 10 3 μm 2 ). Mean luminal area of control basilar arteries was 340.5 × 10 3 μm 2 . CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that histidine reduces the amount of cerebral vasospasm occurring subsequent to experimental SAH. It is suggested that the free radical scavenging characteristics of histidine, particularly its ability to scavenge singlet oxygen, may be responsible for the reduction in vasospasm.
Histological observations of aortic teflon grafts in normal dogs after five years.

Summary Dogs with unpurified (brown) Teflon thoracic aortic grafts were followed for a period of five years. During this period the grafts were completely functional. On gross examination, no degenerative changes were noted. Microscopically, however, moderate areas of focal calcification and rarely osseous metaplasia were observed. An active process of collagenization invests the grafts with a vascularized adventitia and a relatively acellular type of intima. There appears to have been no significant increase in degenerative changes in these dogs observed over five years, when compared with dogs observed for shorter periods. This finding suggests that, if additional degenerative changes occur beyond five years, they must indeed proceed at an extremely slow rate. These findings tend to substantiate earlier observations regarding the attributes of Teflon as a vascular prosthetic.
Note on forced institutional relocation of nursing home residents.

Jessen, Cardiello, and Baun (1996) recently reported some positive effects of the presence of a companion bird on residents in a slulled rehabilitation unit, showing a significant decrease in dipression among their subjects who were exposed to a companion bird. However, in their review of relevant literature, these authors misinterpreted an earlier study when they reported that "Davis, Thorson, and Copenhaver (1990) reported an increase in either mortality or morbidity in a group of nursing home residents after a carefully planned mass move" (1996, p. 339). While Davis, Thorson, and Copenhaver did, in fact, cite a number of studies on the relocation of older, institutionalized people which indcated increased morbidity and mortality in several instances, the point of their own study was that careful preparation could alleviate some of these negative effects. This was, in fact, the case in their study as they reported that "No increase in residents' mortality or morbidity was found after the relocation" (1990, p. 263).